WO2018100587A1

WO2018100587A1 - Portable endoscope

Info

Publication number: WO2018100587A1
Application number: PCT/IN2017/050559
Authority: WO
Inventors: Taihei FUJII; Neelarnab DUTTA; Roshan GURUNG; Shivani Gupta; Alok THAKAR; Hiroya KITANO; Kazunori Fujiwara
Original assignee: Secretary, Department Of Biotechnology
Priority date: 2016-11-30
Filing date: 2017-11-29
Publication date: 2018-06-07
Also published as: JP2020500617A

Abstract

Endoscope (102) includes a diagnosis unit (104) for performing endoscopy at an anatomical site of inspection. The diagnosis unit (104) comprising an image sensor (108) for capturing images of the site and a flexible connecting member (112) connected to the image sensor (108) at one end. The connecting member (112) may be flexed to control maneuvering of the image sensor (108). A control unit (106) detachably coupled to another end of the connecting member (112) for controlling the diagnosis unit (104). The control unit (106) comprising a finger mount (114) to receive a finger to allow an operator to hold and operate the endoscope (102). A control lever (120) attached to the finger mount (114) to allow the operator to flex the connecting member (112) for maneuvering the image sensor (108). User interface (114) attached to the finger mount (114) to operate the image sensor (108) during endoscopy.

Description

PORTABLE ENDOSCOPE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates to an endoscope and, in particular, to a portable endoscope.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Endoscopes are widely used for visual examination of body cavities, otherwise not easily accessible. Endoscopes, for instance, may be used for various purposes, such as diagnosis of internal organs, facilitating safe maneuvering of surgical instruments, and viewing a surgical site. Endoscopy, i.e., the procedure performed using endoscopes is typically a time consuming procedure, performed in large space, such as operation theatres. The large space is required as the endoscopes are generally bulky owing to the various sub -components forming the part of the endoscope. The large number of sub-components further makes the use of the endoscope cumbersome.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a handheld portable endoscope, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter.

[0005] Figures 2a-2f illustrate various views of an endoscope, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter.

[0006] Figures 3a-3c illustrate various views of internal mechanism of a control unit of the endoscope, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. [0007] Figures 4a-4c illustrate various view of internal mechanism of a control mechanism of the endoscope, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter.

[0008] Figures 5a-5c illustrate various view of the endoscope having a display unit attached to the endoscope, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter.

[0009] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate various view of the endoscope communicating with a display unit communicatively coupled to the endoscope, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Endoscopes are widely used for performing endoscopy, i.e., visual examination of internal organs, otherwise not easily accessible, for medical purposes. Conventional endoscopes are typically bulky and cumbersome to use, as the endoscopes include various sub-components which have to be individually operated. For instance, an endoscope system, hereinafter referred to as endoscope, may include a large monitor, a light source, a power source, and a camera system. Additionally, fibre optics and power cables may be used for connecting the sub-components. Owing to bulk size, the endoscopes are typically stationed in a designated room, large enough for setting and operating the endoscope. Further, to perform endoscopy, an operator of the endoscope has to maneuver and operate the endoscope inside a patient's body while looking at the large monitor, displaying the area under inspection. The large monitor is generally placed at a distance and in a direction different from patient under observation, thus making it cumbersome for the operator to operate the endoscope.

[0011] In recent years, portable and handheld endoscopes have been introduced to ease the endoscopy procedure. Such endoscopes, however, lack preciseness and may be inefficient in use. For instance, a handheld endoscope according to a conventional technology may, although, provide an integrated, easy to carry and operate endoscope, the endoscope lacks preciseness in controlling and maneuvering the viewing tip, having the camera, of the endoscope. Limited control of the viewing tip reduces the aperture of viewing tip, thus limiting the area under examination. A handheld endoscope according to another conventional technology may, although, provide an easier maneuvering of the camera, however, such technique fails to provide mechanism to view deeper anatomy of the body due to lack of provision and control of extension mechanisms for extending the length of the endoscope. Further, the conventional endoscopes need to be sterilized/disinfected after every use. It makes the procedure time consuming and a limitation factor for using the endoscope in resource constrained and other settings with high patient load.

[0012] The present subject matter describes a handheld portable endoscope.

The handheld portable endoscope, hereinafter, the endoscope, is an integrated and small sized endoscope that may be operated using a single hand. In one example, the endoscope includes a finger mount to allow an operator to wear and/or hold and operate the endoscope while performing endoscopy. The endoscope may be used for examining different anatomies, such as mouth or oral cavity and can be used at variable depths and angles.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present subject matter, the endoscope includes a diagnosis unit and a control unit. The diagnosis unit may be inserted through a body cavity, say, the mouth of a patient on a site of inspection, say, a throat of the patient for inspecting an anatomical site of inspection. In one example, the diagnosis unit may include an image sensor for capturing images of the anatomical site and a flexible connecting member connected to the image sensor at one end. The connecting member may be configured to be flexed to control maneuvering of the image sensor within the body cavity to obtain images or videos of the anatomical site. In one example, the diagnosis unit may be communicatively connected to the control unit for sharing images or videos of the site of inspection. [0014] The control unit is a hand wearable device connected to the connecting member for controlling the diagnosis unit. In one embodiment, the control unit may include the finger mount to receive a finger of the operator to allow the operator to hold and operate the endoscope. The control unit further includes a control lever and an user interface attached to the finger mount. The control lever allows the operator to flex the connecting member for maneuvering the image sensor inside the body cavity. The operator may further use the user interface to operate the image sensor while performing endoscopy. In one embodiment, the control unit may also include a display that may be used to view the images or videos of the anatomical site as shared by the diagnosis unit, thus eliminating the need of a separate monitor. The display in said embodiment may be detachably attached to the control unit. In another embodiment, the control unit may be connected to the display, either wirelessly or using a wired connection, to view the images or videos.

[0015] The present subject matter thus provides a portable endoscope that may be operated using a single hand. Having all the sub-components of a conventional endoscope integrated into a small endoscope that may either be worn on hand or be handheld eases the task of an operator performing the endoscopy as the operator now may not have to simultaneously operate and monitor different components placed at different locations. Further, an operator may now not need a dedicated room for performing the endoscopy and may also perform the endoscopy in a comparatively smaller room and without additional help. Further, the controlling mechanism facilitates the operator to control operation and orientation of a viewing tip of the diagnosis unit while performing the endoscopy, thus increasing the preciseness and aperture of the viewing tip, thereby providing a wider view of the site of inspection. Having smaller and easily operable diagnosing tool provided with the control means facilitates in making the diagnosing unit flexible, thus allowing it to attain different angles which may specially enable the endoscope to reach remote positions within the site of inspection which is to be diagnosed. Further, having the provisions for carrying clinical means allows the endoscope to be used for carrying out or aid in carrying out other clinical procedures, such as biopsy. Further, the endoscope may be conveniently sterilized/disinfected.

[0016] The present subject matter is further described with reference to Figures 1 to 3c. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a handheld portable endoscope

102, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. In one example, the handheld portable endoscope 102, hereinafter referred to as endoscope 102, may be used to perform endoscopy for examining different anatomies, such as mouth or oral cavity of a patient. The endoscope 102, in one embodiment, may be a handheld device. In another embodiment, the endoscope 102 may be a hand wearable device. In said embodiment, the endoscope 102 may be mounted on a finger. In one example, the endoscope 102 includes a diagnosis unit 104 and a control unit 106 detachably coupled to the diagnosis unit 104. In one example implementation, the diagnosis unit 104 is to be inserted through a body cavity of a patient for performing endoscopy at an anatomical site of inspection. The control unit 106 is provided for controlling the diagnosis unit 104.

[0018] In accordance to one embodiment of the present subject matter, the diagnosis unit 104 includes an image sensor 108, a light source 110, and a flexible connecting member 112. The image sensor 108 may be a means, such as a camera used for capturing views of the object at sight in the site of inspection. The image sensor 108 may be provided on a viewing tip (not shown in the figures) of the endoscope 102 and is inserted in the body of the patient for performing endoscopy. The image sensor 108 may be used for real-time transmission of the site of inspections, thus assisting an operator in maneuvering and controlling the viewing tip. The image sensor 108 may be used to capture and transmit images of the site of inspections for display or further processing. The light source 110 may be a means, such as an LED provided in vicinity of the image sensor 108 for illuminating the site of inspection while image sensor 108 is capturing the images. The light source 110 may be coupled to the image sensor 108 for emitting light of a predetermined frequency at the anatomical site.

[0019] The connecting member 112 is connected to the image sensor 108 at one end and to the control unit 106 at another end. In one example, the connecting member 112 is configured to be flexed to control maneuvering of the image sensor 108.

[0020] Further, the control unit 106 includes a finger mount 114, a control mechanism 116, a user interface 118, a control lever 120, a power source 122, a processing unit 124, a communication unit 126, and a connection dock 128. The finger mount 114 is made hollow to receive a finger of an operator of the endoscope 102 to allow the operator to hold and operate the endoscope 102. In one example, the finger mount 114 is attached to another end of the connecting member 112, opposite to the end attached to the image sensor 108. The control lever 120 is attached to the finger mount 114 to allow the operator to flex the connecting member 112 for maneuvering the image sensor 108 inside the body cavity.

[0021] The user interface 118 is attached to the finger mount 114 to allow the operator to operate the image sensor 108 and the light source 110 while performing endoscopy. In one example, the operator may use the user interface 118 using the thumb and fingers of the same hand on which the endoscope 102 is mounted to perform various operations, such as capturing image, record video, switching different diagnostic modes, and lighting control. The operator may thus conveniently use the other hand to use other clinical tools that may be required for endoscopy or performing any other clinical procedure at the anatomical site.

[0022] The control mechanism 116 allows an operator of the endoscope 102 to control the position and orientation of the viewing tip while performing the endoscopy. In one embodiment, the operator may use the control lever 120 to control the control mechanism 116. In another embodiment, separate control switches may be provided to control the control mechanism 116. The power source 122 is provided to power the endoscope 102. In one example, the power source 122 may be a battery. The processing unit 124 is to control the entire functionality of the endoscope 102 including, user control, image processing, image analysis, electrical and mechanical hardware control, data processing and communication, and power management. In one embodiment, the processing unit 124 is a hardware implementing logic for user control, image processing, image analysis, electrical and mechanical hardware control, data processing and communication, and power management. The processing unit 124 may be implemented as microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any other devices that manipulate signals and data based on computer-readable instructions.

[0023] The communication unit 126 may be provided to render the images of the anatomical site and endoscopy data to an external device communicatively coupled to the endoscope 102. In one embodiment, the communication unit 126 may include a USB port or an HDMI port to allow the operator to set up a wired connection for transmitting the endoscopy data or the images to an external device, such as a display unit. In another embodiment, the communication unit 126 may include a wireless adaptor to allow the operator to wirelessly transmit the endoscopy data or the images to the external device. In one embodiment, the communication unit 126 may support both wired and wireless connection. Further, the connection dock 128 may be provided to receive a display unit (not shown in the figure) for viewing the images or videos of the anatomical site as shared by the image sensor 108. The display in said embodiment may be detachably attached to the control unit 106.

[0024] In operation, during a standard procedure involving examination of an internal organ, for example, a standard throat examination, the viewing tip of the endoscope 102 may be inserted into the throat of the patient. As will be understood, the viewing tip may be inserted such that the image sensor 108 is directed towards the anatomical site of inspection, say, throat. Further, the light source 110 may be activated to illuminate the throat. In one example, the operator may use the user interface 118 to operate the image sensor 108 and the light source 110 with ease and minimum effort. To inspect the throat clearly, the operator may use the control mechanism 116 to precisely maneuver and control the viewing tip, for example, by changing the angle and tilt of the viewing tip to allow a complete view of the throat. The operator may maneuver the viewing tip by flexing the connecting member 112 using the control lever 120 and the control mechanism 116 connecting the control lever 120 and the connecting member 112. The operator may further use the control lever 120 and the control mechanism 116 to move the viewing tip further deep into the throat.

[0025] The operator may further operate the image sensor 108 to capture the image or video of the site of inspection and transmit the sensor output, i.e., image or the video to the processing unit 124. The processing unit 124 may then process the sensor output using various processes, such as image processing and image analysis and display the output, for example, on the display unit. Further, the operator may use clinical means to carry other clinical procedures, such as biopsy or to hold the tongue of the patient during examination. Although, the functioning of the endoscope 102 has been largely described with reference to endoscopy performed for a throat, it will be understood to a person skilled in the art that the endoscope 102 may be used for performing endoscopy for other internal organs and regions also. [0026] Figures 2a-2f illustrate various views of the endoscope 102, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. The endoscope 102 as per the embodiment is a handheld portable endoscope that may be easily transported to remote locations with no electricity for performing endoscopy. Further, the endoscope 102 may be operated and controlled by a single person in a typical clinical scenario. The endoscope 102 has been designed to provide an ergonomic way of holding the endoscope 102 and easy to use interface to operate, capture, and control various functionalities of the endoscope 102.

[0027] Figure 2a illustrates a top view of the endoscope 102. Figure 2b illustrates front view of the endoscope 102. Figure 2c illustrates bottom view of the endoscope 102. Figure 2d illustrates perspective view of the endoscope 102. Figure 2e illustrates side view of the endoscope 102. Figure 2f illustrates another perspective view of the endoscope 102.

[0028] As illustrated, the endoscope 102 may include two communicatively coupled devices, the diagnosis unit 104 and the control unit 106. The diagnosis unit 104 includes a viewing tip 202 having one or more image sensors 108 for capturing images of the anatomical site of inspection. The viewing tip further includes the light source 110 coupled to the image sensor 108 for illuminating the anatomical site in the body cavity, thereby, allowing the operator to conveniently view the movement of the viewing tip. The light source 110 may emit light of a predetermined frequency, such as white light, green light, and red light to allow the operator to view the anatomical site and capture images for analyzing specific clinical conditions.

[0029] The diagnosis unit 104 may further include the flexible connecting member 112 connected to the image sensor 108 at one end, say, a first flexible joint 204 and to the control unit 106 at other end, say, a second flexible joint 206. As previously described, the connecting member 112 is configured to be flexed to control maneuvering of the image sensor 108. In one example, the connecting member 112 includes a first passage 208 to receive a connecting means (not shown in this figure) for connecting the control mechanism 116 to the image sensor 108 to allow the operator to flex the connecting member 112.

[0030] In one embodiment, the connecting member 112 is comprised of multiple linkage members connecting the front image sensor 108 and the finger mount 114. Each of such linkage members connects to the adjutant member via elastic members, such as a torsion spring and a spiral spring. The elastic members provide flexibility and self-retraction to the connecting member 112 when flexed during the use of the endoscope 102. In another embodiment, the connecting member 112 may be made of shape memory materials such that the shape of the connecting member 112 may be controlled via electrical or heat energy. In yet another embodiment, the connecting member 112 may be made of natural elastic material with internal arrangement for electrically or mechanically deforming the structure. In another embodiment, the connecting member 112 may be made of a combination of mechanical gear and linkages, such as, rack and pinion, four bar mechanism, worm and shaft, cam, and piston mechanism.

[0031] In one example, the connecting member 112 may further include at least one coupling attachment to detachably couple the connecting member 112 with the control unit 106. The coupling attachment may facilitate the operator in detaching and disinfecting the diagnosis unit 104 from the control unit 106 after performing the endoscopy. In one example, the coupling/decoupling attachment, facilitates in providing electrical connections between the image sensor 108, the light source 110, and the processing unit 124.

[0032] The control unit 106, as illustrated, includes the finger mount 114, the control mechanism 116, the user interface 118, the control lever 120, and an electronic housing 210 housing the power source 122, the processing unit 124, and the communication unit 126. As illustrated, the finger mount 114 is coupled to the connecting member 112 at the second flexible joint 206 to allow the operator to control and maneuver the connecting member 112 and the image sensor 108. In one example, the finger mount 114 includes a mounting cavity 212 to receive a finger of the operator of the endoscope 102 to allow the operator to hold and operate the endoscope 102.

[0033] Further, the electronic housing 210 is attached at a first side of the finger mount 114. As illustrated, the user interface 118 is mounted on an external surface opposite to the surface connecting the electronic housing 210 with the finger mount 114 to allow the operator to operate the image sensor 108 and the light source 110 using the same hand on which the endoscope 102 is mounted. Further, the control lever 120 is movably coupled to the electronic housing 210 to allow the operator to flex the connecting member 112 for maneuvering the diagnosis unit 104 using the same hand on which the endoscope 102 is mounted. In one example, the operator may press or move the control lever 120 to maneuver the diagnosis unit 104 using the control mechanism 116.

[0034] The control mechanism 116, as illustrated, is provided on the electronic housing 210 and is connected to the control lever 120 at a first connecting end and to the image sensor 108 at a second connecting end using the connecting means. The operator may thus control the connecting member 112 and the image sensor 108 using the control lever 120. The control unit 106 further includes a power switch 214 mounted on the electronic housing 210 for switching ON/OFF the endoscope 102. Further, a connection port 216, for example, a USB port or an HDMI port is provided on the electronic housing 210 for connecting the endoscope 102 to external devices, such as a display unit as illustrated in Figure 6b to display the images or videos of the anatomical site as shared by the image sensor 108. The connection port 216 may also be used for charging the power source 122 and/or directly powering the endoscope 102.

[0035] Further, the connection dock 128 may be mounted on the electronic housing 210 to receive a display unit (not shown in the figure) for viewing the images or videos of the anatomical site as shared by the image sensor 108. The display in said embodiment may be detachably attached to the control unit 106, as illustrated in Figures 5 a -5c.

[0036] Figures 3a-3c illustrate various views of internal mechanism of the control unit 106 of the endoscope 102, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. As previously described, the endoscope 102 may be used for viewing and examining internal organs.

[0037] As illustrated, the electronic housing 210 encloses the power source

122, the processing unit 124, and the communication unit 126. Further, the power switch 214, the connection port 216, and the user interface 118 are coupled to the processing unit 124. The power source 122 is proved to power the endoscope 102. The processing unit 124 is provided to control functioning of the endoscope 102 including at least processing of the images of the anatomical site as captured by the image sensor 108. The communication unit 126 is provided to render the images of the anatomical site and endoscopy data to an external device, such as a display unit communicatively coupled to the endoscope 102, as illustrated in Figure 6a.

[0038] Further, the power source 122, the processing unit 124, the communication unit 126, and the user interface 118 are electrically coupled to the image sensor 108 and the light source 110 in the viewing tip 202 using connecting wires. In one embodiment, the finger mount 114 includes a second passage 302 to receive electrical wires connecting the image sensor 108 with the power source 122, the processing unit 124, the communication unit 126, and the user interface 118. The second passage 302 is further connected with a third passage 304 in the connecting member 112 for guiding the electrical wires. The third passage 304 is in turn connected with a fourth passage 306 in the viewing tip 202 for guiding the electrical wires to the image sensor 108. The second passage 302, the third passage 304, and the fourth passage 306 thus allow the image sensor 108 to electrically connect with the power source 122, the processing unit 124, the communication unit 126, and the user interface 118. [0039] Further, as previously described, the connecting member 112 is connected to the image sensor 108 at one end and to the control unit 106 at another end. In one example, the endoscope 102 includes a first elastic member 308-1 connecting the control unit 106 to the connecting member 112 and a second elastic member 308-2 connecting the connecting member 112 to the image sensor 108. The first elastic member 308-1 and the second elastic member 308-2, hereinafter collectively referred to as elastic member 308, allow the connecting member 112 to self-retract to an original orientation after being released from a flexed orientation while performing the endoscopy. In one embodiment, the elastic member 308 may be a torsion spring.

[0040] Figures 4a-4c illustrate various view of internal mechanism of the control mechanism 116 of the endoscope 102, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. As previously described, the control mechanism 116 is provided to facilitate maneuvering of the diagnosis unit 104 by allowing the operator to move, bend, extend, and retract the connecting member 112 using the control mechanism 116. In one example, the control mechanism 116 is connected to the image sensor 108 at a second connecting end using the connecting means, such as a string, a wire, and a combination of a gear and mechanical linkages.

[0041 ] In one embodiment, the control mechanism 116 is a pulley mechanism attached with the finger mount 114 using a central torsion spring (not shown in the figure). In said embodiment, the connecting means is one of a thread, a string, and a wire such that the control mechanism 116 is connected to the viewing tip 202 using the string or wire. In one example, the connecting member, i.e., the string or wire is guided through the first passage 208, a fifth passage 402 provided in the connecting member 112, and a first slot 404 provided on the control mechanism 116. The control mechanism 116 is further connected to the control lever 120 at a first connecting end 406. Thereby, when the operator presses/moves the control lever 120, the control mechanism 116, i.e., the pulley mechanism pulls the string and thereby flexes the connecting member 112. On releasing the control lever 120, the elastic members 308 retract back the connecting member 112 to the default position. Thus, while holding the endoscope 102 mounted on the finger, the operator can flex the connecting member 112 by pulling the connecting means using the control lever 120 to direct the viewing tip 202 over the anatomical site.

[0042] In operation, the operator may initially wear or mount finger mount

114 on the finger for performing endoscopy. In one implementation, the endoscope 102, specifically, the diagnosis unit 104 may be pre-sterilized. The operator may further place their thumb or finger on the user interface 118 and the control lever 120 for controlling the diagnosis unit. Subsequently, the operator may insert the viewing tip 202 of the diagnosis unit 104 into the throat of the patient. The operator may then actuate the light source 110 using the user interface 118 to illuminate objects at sight.

[0043] While performing the endoscopy, the operator may elongate and/or bend the diagnosis unit 104, specifically, the connecting member 112 using the control lever 120 and the control mechanism 116 to achieve the best possible view. Upon reaching the particular anatomical site, the operator may perform various operations using the user interface 118. Examples of such operations include capturing image, analysing the image using the processing unit 124, etc. Alternately, the operator may stream the data wirelessly to an external device using the communication unit 126. Additionally, the operator may use clinical means to carry other clinical procedures. After completion of the examination, the diagnosis unit 104 may be disconnected from the control unit 106 and can be sent for sterilization.

[0044] Figures 5a-5c illustrate various view of the endoscope 102 having a display unit 502 attached to the endoscope 102, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. The display unit 502 is a portable display unit that may be detachably attached to the endoscope 102. In one example, the display unit 502 may be mounted on the connection dock 128 as displayed in Figures 5a-5c. The connecting dock 128 in such a case may further facilitate in connecting the display unit 502 to the image sensor 108, either wirelessly or through connecting cables. As previously described, the display unit 502 may be mounted on the connection dock 128 to receive and display the images or videos of the anatomical site as shared by the image sensor 108. The operator may thus use the display unit 502 to monitor the movement of the endoscope 102 while maneuvering the diagnosis unit 104 inside the body cavity and also view the anatomical site when the viewing tip 202 is over the anatomical site.

[0045] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate various view of the endoscope 102 communicating with a display unit 602 communicatively coupled to the endoscope 102, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter.

[0046] Figures 6a illustrates the endoscope 102 wirelessly communicating with the display unit 602 using the communication unit 126 to render the images of the anatomical site and endoscopy data to the display unit 602.

[0047] Figures 6b illustrates the endoscope 102 communicating with the display unit 602 over wired connections using the connection port 216 provided on the electronic housing 210 to display the images or videos of the anatomical site as shared by the image sensor 108. In one example, the wired connections may be established using a USB cable or an HDMI cable.

[0048] While illustrative system and methods as described herein embodying various characteristics of the present invention are shown, it will be understood by those skilled in the art, that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. For example, each of the elements of the aforementioned embodiments may be utilized alone or in combination or sub combination with elements of the other embodiments. It will also be appreciated and understood that modifications may be made without departing from the true scope of the present invention. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the present invention.

Claims

I/We Claim:

A handheld portable endoscope (102) comprising:

a diagnosis unit (104) to be inserted through a body cavity of a patient for performing endoscopy at an anatomical site of inspection, the diagnosis unit (104) comprising:

an image sensor (108) for capturing images of the anatomical site; and

a flexible connecting member (112) connected to the image sensor (108) at one end, the connecting member (112) configured to be flexed to control maneuvering of the image sensor (108); and a control unit (106) detachably coupled to another end of the connecting member (112) for controlling the diagnosis unit (104), the control unit (106) comprising:

a finger mount (114) to receive a finger of an operator of the endoscope (102) to allow the operator to hold and operate the endoscope (102);

a control lever (120) attached to the finger mount (114) to allow the operator to flex the connecting member (112) for maneuvering the image sensor (108) inside the body cavity; and

user interface (118) attached to the finger mount (114) to operate the image sensor (108) while performing endoscopy.

The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diagnosis unit (104) further comprises a light source (110) coupled to the image sensor (108) for emitting light of predetermined frequency at the anatomical site.

3. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

a display unit (502) detachably attached to the endoscope (102) to receive and display images or videos of the anatomical site as shared by the image sensor (108); and

a connection dock (128) to receive the display unit (502), wherein the display unit (502) may be mounted on the connection dock (128).

4. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (106) further comprises:

a power source (122) to power the endoscope (102);

a processing unit (124) to control functioning of the endoscope including at least processing of the images of the anatomical site as captured by the image sensor (108); and

a communication unit (126) to render the images of the anatomical site and endoscopy data to an external device communicatively coupled to the endoscope (102).

5. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the finger mount (114) includes a second passage (302) to receive electrical wires connecting the image sensor (108) with the power source (122), the processing unit (124), and the communication unit (126).

6. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (106) further comprises a control mechanism (116) to flex the connecting member (112), wherein the control mechanism (116) is connected to the control lever (120) at a first connecting end (406), and wherein the control mechanism (116) is connected to the image sensor (108) at a second connecting end using a connecting means.

7. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the connecting member (112) includes a first passage (208) to receive the connecting means for connecting the control mechanism (116) to the image sensor (108) to allow the operator to flex the connecting member (112).

8. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control mechanism (116) is a pulley mechanism and the connecting means is one of a thread, a string, and a wire, and wherein the operator is to flex the connecting member (112) by pulling the connecting means using the control lever (120).

9. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

a first elastic member (308-1) connecting the control unit (106) to the connecting member (112); and

a second elastic member (308-2) connecting the connecting member (112) to the image sensor (108);

wherein the first elastic member (308-1) and the second elastic member (308-2) allow the connecting member (112) to self-retract to an original orientation after being released from a flexed orientation while performing the endoscopy.

10. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting member (112) includes at least one coupling attachment for detaching the diagnosis unit (104) from the control unit (106) after performing the endoscopy.

11. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting member (112) comprises of multiple linkage members connecting the image sensor (108) and the finger mount (114).

12. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting member (112) is made of a shape memory material controlled using electrical or heat energy.

13. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting member (112) is made of a natural elastic material with internal arrangement for electrically or mechanically deforming the structure to allow the connecting member (112) to be flexed.

14. The handheld portable endoscope (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting member (112) is made of a combination of mechanical gear and linkages selected from a group comprising of rack and pinion, four bar mechanism, worm and shaft, cam, and piston mechanism.