GB2518815A

GB2518815A - Examination System and Method

Info

Publication number: GB2518815A
Application number: GB1314446.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jim Khan; Syed Naqvi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-06
Filing date: 2013-08-06
Publication date: 2015-04-08
Also published as: GB201314446D0

Abstract

An examination system, or endoscope, includes a camera 108, and an electrical cable 120, which can output images from the camera 108 to a viewing device 128, such as a USB cable 120 out to a laptop computer 126. The endoscope further features a gas bulb 116, which can introduce fluid under pressure to a cavity, and also take fluid back in.

Description

EXAMINATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system comprising: an examination portion configured to examine and/or manipulate a cavity, and a processor portion, in which the examination portion comprises an examination tube configured to at least partially enter said, cavity, in which the examination tube comprises: -a distal end providing: an aperture; and an illumination portion; a proximal end: and, a cable portion configured to transmit a signal between said examination, portion and a processor portion, in which the cable portion comprises a processor connector for engaging with the processor portion; in which the examination portion further comprises a camera removably connected to the distal end df the tube, in which the camera is configured to provide an image of the inside of said cavity; in which the system further cOmprises a handle portion arranged to engage the proximal end of the examination tube, said handle portion comprising an examination -tube regulator configured to handle or manipUlate said examination tube, said handle portion further comprising a fluid portion and gas insufflation bulb configured to disperse fluid and gas from said aperture at the distal end of the tube; and in which said cable portion comprises a display portion for viewing said image from said camera.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: [00021 FIGs. 1A andiB illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary examination system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary examination portion joined with an exemplary processor, and FIG. lB illustrates an exemplary examination portion and art exemplary handle portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0003j FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary examination tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; t0004] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary disposable camera, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [00051 FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary handle portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;- [00061 FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemp!ary camera regulator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -100071 FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary cable portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [00081 FIG. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7EiIlustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary examination method, where FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary processor connector joining an exemplary processor, FIG. 7B illustrates an -2 -exemplary examination portion insidean exemplary cavity, FIG. 7C illustrates an exemplary examination tube regulator adjusting to move an exemplary examination tube, FIG. 7D illustrates an exemplary examination portion oscillating in response to an exemplary examination tube regulator, and FIG. 7E illustrates an exemplary display portion displaying an exemplary image of a cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [0009] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram depicting an exemplary client/server system which may be used by an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A system comprising: an examination portion, said examination portion being configured to examine and/or manipulate a cavity, said examination portion comprising an examination tube, said examination tube being configured to at least partially enter said cavity, said examination tube comprising a distal end, said distal end comprising a camera, said camera being configured to form an image inside said cavity, said camera further being configured to detach from said examination tube, said camera further being configured to join with said examination tube, said distal end further comprising an aperture, said distal end further comprising an illumination portion, said examination tube. further comprising a proximal end; a handle portion, said handle portion being disposed to join with said proximal end, said handle portion comprising an examination tube regulator, said examination tube regulator being configured to handle or manipulate said examination tube, said handle portion further comprising a fluid gas insufflation bulb portion, said fluid portion and bulb configured to disperse fluid and gas from said aperture; and a cable portion, said cable portion being configured to transmit a signal between said examination portion and a processor portion, said cable portion comprising a processor connector for joining with said processor portion, said processor portion comprising a display portion for viewing said image from said camera. The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein [0012] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing £ steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodimenth may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those ski!led in the art wilt readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present. application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.

[0013] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. There are various types of examination systems configured to be operable to examine and manipulate the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body. In one embodiment of the present invention, the examination system may provide an image of a cavity with a disposable camera, which positions at a lead end of an examination tube, such as an endoscope. The camera may be disposed of along * with tube and replaced with a new camera to lessen the risk of cross contamination and hospital acquired diseases. However, in other embodiments, any single or combinative component of the examination system may be disposed of and replaced to help minimize contaminations. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that a camera in an endoscope may constantly engage tissue matter and dispersing liquids and * gases. These engagements with organic tissue may help create an environment ripe for infections, whereby excessively reusing the equipment results in germ build-up on the surface and in the crevices of the camera and other components of the endoscope.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the disposable camera may include inexpensive, non-moving parts. The disposable camera may be digital, thereby not requiring bacteria collecting components, such as film and flash. Further, the system includes an examination portion comprising the disposable camera integrated with an aperture that discharges a liquid and a gas, and an illumination portion, which utilizes fiber optics to* illuminate. The examination portion section may detach from an examination tube for disposal.

* However, in other embodiments, the complete examination tube may detach for disposal. The compact nature and simplicity of the examination system may allow for an inexpensive disposable system to examine the cavity. In yet another embodiment, the examination system may be efficacious in-helping to inhibit infections from bacteria and germs that build up on the disposable camera surface after repetitive uses. This may be accomplished because a new, replacement camera may be utilized after a predetermined duration, or after a predetermined number of uses. (Proper disinfection is expensive and still there is risk of cross contamination and infection, most contemporary flexible endoscopes cannot be heat sterilised and are designed with multiple* channels, which are difficult to clean, and disinfect. The ability of bacteria to form bio films on the inner channel surfaces can contribute to the failure of the decontamination process.

* Contaminated endoscopes are medical devices frequently associated with outbreaks of heath care-associated infections.

-

A -

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the examination system may provide a reusable camera, or other reusable components for helping to inhibit germs, bacteria, and infections. In the present invention the whole device (tube with fluid and air channels, camera and handle and cable) are disposable wherein the tube with channels itself can be,the source of contamination. The examination system may include an examination portion for examining and manipulating a cavity. The cavity may include, without limitation, a hollow organ, tissue, and a cavity of the body. In some embodiments, the examination portion may include an examination tube configured to at least partially pass through the cavity. The examination tube may include a distal end and a proximal end. The examination tube may swivel, tilt, and rotate to fully traverse and examine the cavity. The examination tube may include a plurality of grooves to help conform to the cavity contours. In some embodiments, the examination portion may include a disposable camera that joins with the distal end of the examination tube. The disposable camera may be disposed to position on a terminal end of the examination tube. The disposable camera may detach from the examination efl * tube and be replaced by another disposable camera. However, in other *:c* embodiments, the complete examination portion, or selected components of the same may be detached and disposed ot In some embodiments, the examination * portion may include an illumination portion for illuminating the cavity. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the camera includes a lens, which requires illumination to properly refract and reflect light for producing an image. The illumination portion may therefore position in proximity to, or integrate into the camera for enhanced imaging. The examination portion may further include an aperture for discharging a liquid or a gas. The liquid or gas may be efficacious for engaging and manipulating tissue in the cavity.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the examination system may include a handle portion that joins with the proximal end of the examination tube. The handle may be configured to be operable for a hand to grasp and control the examination system. The handle portion may include an examination tube regulator that operatively joins with the examination tube to control the movement and orientation of the examination tube. The examination tube regulator may include, without limitation, a wheel, a knob, and a switch. In some embodiments, a gas portion may generate a gas for dispersion into the examination tube and out the aperture. The gas portion may include, without limitation, an irisufflation bulb, a pump, and a valve. In some embodiments, the handle portion may include a liquid portion. The liquid portion may be configured to receive, store, discharge a liquid into the examination tube and suction can be performed through the same channel. The liquid may then discharge through the examination tube and disperse out the aperture for irrigation on tissue in the cavity and can be sucked back if needed with the help of a suction pump.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the examination system may include a cable portion for transmitting signals between the examination portion and a processor. The cable portion may include a camera regulator that operatively joins with the disposable camera and the processor for regulating the lens, image capture functions, and zooming functions. In some embodiments, the cable portion further includes a processor connector for joining into a processor socket. The processor connector may include, without limitation, ,a universal serial bus configured to join with processor periphery devices. The processor may include a display portion for viewing an image of the tissue in the cavity in real time. In this manner, a plurality of cavities may be examined over a duration while utilizing a new disposable camera andlor examination portion for each use to help minimize germs, bacteria, and infections. In preferred embodiments the endoscope camera is incorporated in the tube and the whole endoscope can be disinfected but still there is risk of cross infection. There are also costs involved in cleaning and maintenande of known equipment wherein cleaning times can mean that a scope can be only used 2-3 times in a day reducing the number of possible examinations carried out in a clinic [0018] FIGs. 1A andiB illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary examination system, in accordance with an embodiment. of the present invention, where FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary examination portion joined with an exemplary prdcessor, and FIG. 1 B illustrates an exemplary examination portion and an exemplary handle portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, an examination system 100 may provide an image of a cavity with a disposable camera, which positions at a lead end of an examination tube, such as an endoscope. The disposable camera may be disposed of and replaced with a new camera to lessen the risk of cross contamination and hospital acquired diseases. However, in other embodiments, any single or combinative component of the examination system may be disposed of and replaced to help minimize contaminations. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that a camera in an endoscope may constantly engage tissue matter and dispersing liquids and gases. These engagements with organic tissue may help create an environment ripe for infections, whereby excessively reusing the equipment results in. germ buildup on the surface and in the crevices of the camera and other components of the endoscope. Suitable materials for fabricating the examination system may include, . without limitation, steel, high density polymers, silicon, plastics materials (polyvinyl chloride(PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chLoride(CPVC), fibre reinforced plastic(FRP), reinforced polymer mortar(RPMP), polypropylene(PP), polyethylene(PE), cross link high density polyethylene(PEX) ,Polybutylene(PB) and acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene(ABS) ), fiberglass, titanium, copper, and alloys.

[00191 In one embodiment of the present invention, a disposable camera may at least partially enter a cavity to form an image of the internal workings of the cavity. The digital camera is like drain camera with sufficient pixel count to produce a good quality and acceptable images of the targeted tube or cavity.

The camera is ideally inexpensive and the costs of all other consumables are minimal making *this a very cost effective option. The disposable camera may include inexpensive, nonmoving parts, whereby replacement of the disposable camera may be economically feasible for endoscopy functions. The disposable camera may be digital, thereby not requiring bacteria collecting components, such as film and flash. Further, the system includes an examination portion comprisin the disposable camera integrated with an aperture that discharges a liquid and a gas, and an illumination portion, which utilizes fiber optics to illuminate. The examination portion section may detach from an examination tube for disposal. However, in other embodiments, the complete examination tube may detach for disposal. The compact nature and simplicity of the examination system may allow for an inexpensive disposable system to examine the cavity. In yet another embodiment, the examination system may be efficacious in helping to inhibit infections from bacteria and germs that build up on the disposable camera surface after repetitive uses. This may be accomplished because a new, replacement camera maybe utilized after a predetermined duration, or after a predetermined number of uses.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the examination system may provide a reusable camera, or other reusable components for helping to inhibit germs, bacteria, and infections. The examination system may include an examination portion for examining and manipulating a cavity. The cavity may include, without limitation, a hollow organ, tissue, and a cavity of the body. In some embodiments, the examination portion may include an examination tube configured to at least partially pass through the cavity. The examination tube may include a distal end and a proximal end. The examination tube may swivel, tilt, and rotate to fully traverse and examine the cavity. The examination tube may include a plurality of grooves to help conform to the cavity contours. In some embodiments, the examination portion may include a disposable camera that joins with the distal end of the examination tube. The disposable camera may be disposed to position on a terminal end of the examination tube. The disposable camera may detach from the examination tube and be replaced by another disposable.camera. However, in other embodiments, the complete examination portion, or selected components of the same may be detached and disposed of.

In some embodiments, the examination portion may include an illumination portion for illuminating the cavity. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the camera includes a lens, which requires illuminatiOn to properly refract and reflect light for producing an image. The illumination portion may therefore position in proximity to, or integrate into the camera for enhanced imaging. The examination portion may further include an aperture for discharging a liquid or a gas. The liquid or gas may be efficacious for engaging and manipulating tissue in the cavity.

[0021) In one embodiment of the present invention, the examination system may include a handle portion that joins with the proximal end of the examination tube. The handle may be configured to be operable for a hand to grasp and control the examination system. The hand!e portion may include an examination tube regulator that operatively joins with the examination tube to control the movement and orientation of the examination tube. The examination tube regulator may include, without limitation, a wheel, a knob, and a switob. In some embodiments, a gas portion may generate a gas for dispersion into the examination tube and out the aperture. The gas portion may include, without limitation, an insuffiation bulb, a pump, and a valve. In some embodiments, the handle portion may include a liquid portion. The liquid portion may be configured to receive, store, and discharge a liquid frito the examination tube. A plurality of valves and measuring units on the liquid portion may help regulate the velocity of liquid discharge. The liquid may then discharge through the examination tube and disperse out the aperture for irrigation on tissue in the cavity. Air is used to distend the tube or cavity in order to have a clear view. Water is used for irrigation to clean the lens, remove debris, and wash the cavity in order to have a clear view.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the examination system may include a cable portion for transmithng signals between the examination portion and a processor. The cable portion may include a camera regulator that -operatively joins with the disposable camera and the processor for regulating the lens, image capture functions, and zooming functions. In some embodiments; the cable portion further includes a processor connector for joining into a processor socket. The processor connector may include, without limitation, a universal serial bus configured to join with processor periphery devices. The processor may include a display portion for viewing an image of the tissue in the cavity in * real time. In this manner, a pLurality of cavities may be examined over a duration 1o* while utilizing a new disposable camera and/or examination portion for each use to help minimize germs, bacteria, and infections. In one embodiment, the processor may be remote, whereby a medical professional operates the examination system remotely.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary examination tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the examination tube may be rigid or flexible, depending on the desired function. The examination tube may include a plurality of ridges designed to facilitate bending while in the cavity.

10024] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary disposable camera, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a disposable camera 300 may at least partially enter a cavity to form an image of the internal workings of the cavity. The disposable camera may be disposed to position on a terminal end of the examination tube. The disposable camera may detach from the examination tube and be replaced by another disposable camera. However, in other embodiments, the complete examination portion, or selected components of the same may be detached and disposed of. In some embodiments, the examination portion may include an illumination portion 3b2 for illuminating the cavity. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the camera includes a lens, which requires illumination to properly refract and reflect light for producing an *image. The illumination portion may therefore position in proximity to, or integrate into the camera for enhanced imaging. The examination portion may further include an aperture 304 for discharging a liquid or a gas. The liquid or gas may be efficacious for engaging and manipulating tissue in the cavity. . In yet another embodiment, the examination system may be efficacious in helping to inhibit infections from bacteria and germs that build up on the disposable camera surface after repetitive uses. This may be accomplished because a new, replacement camera may be utilized after a predetermined duration, or after a predetermined number of uses [0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary handle portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the handle may be configured to be operable for a hand to grasp and control the examination system. The handle portion may include a foam cover for providing a more comfortable grip. The handle portion may include an examination tube regulator that operatively joins with the examination tube to control the movement and orientation of the examination tube. The examination tube regulator may include, without limitation, a wheeL a knob, and a switch: En one embodiment, a rigid wire may position inside the examination tube and join to the examination tube regulator for actuating the movements. In some embodiments, a gas portion may generate a gas for dispersion into the examination tube and out the aperture. The gas portion may include, without limitation, an insufflation bulb, a pump,and a valve.

In some embodiments, the handle portion may include a liquid portion. The liquid * portion may be configured to receive, store, and discharge a liquid into the examination tube. The liquid may then discharge through the examination tube and disperse out the aperture for irrigation on tissue in the cavity.

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary camera regulator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cable portion may include a camera regulator that operatively joins with the disposable camera and the processor for regulating the lens, image capture functions, and zooming functions. In some embodiments, an image capture switch 502 actuates the disposable camera. A zoom switch 504 actuates the lens and the illumination portion to affect the size and clarity of the image.

[00271 FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary cable portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cable portion may carry, without limitation, data, electricity, and fiber optic wires. The cable podioti may include, without limitation, coaxial cables, optical fiber cables, and twisted pair cables.

The camera regulator may position along the longitudinal axis of the cable portion for controlling the zoom and image capture functions of the disposable camera.

The camera regulator may function with a plurality of different disposable cameras.

[00281 FIG.. 7A, 78, 7C, 7D, and 7E illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary examination method, where FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary processor connector joining an exemplary processor, FIG. 78 illustrates an exemplary examination portion inside an exemplary cavity, FIG. 7C illustrates an exemplary examination tube regulator adjusting to move an exemplary examination tube, FIG. 7D illustrats an exemplary examination portion oscillating in response to an exemplary examination tube regulator, and FIG. 7E illustrates an exemplary display portion displaying *an exemplary image of a cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, an examination method provides a disposabl camera for examining a cavity 700 of a body. The method may include an initial step of joining an exemplary processor connector with an exemplary processor. For example, without limitation, a USB plugs into a laptop.

This may initiate software for activating an endoscope. A next step may include an examination portion passing through the cavity. In one embodiment, the cavity may include, without limitation, a bowel. However, other bodily organs and cavities may be examined by adjusting the size and dimension of the components. A next step may include adjusting an examination tube regulator for manipulating the examination tube inside the cavity. The examination tube may swivel, oscillate, and rotate. In other embodiments, a camera regulator may simultaneously control the disposable camera on the distal end of the examination tube. A next step may include the examination portion oscillating in respànse to the examination tube regulator. A final step may include the display portion displaying an exemplary image of the cavity.

[0029] In one -alternative embodiment, the examination system examines and provides images of caves,. In yet another alternative embodiment, the examination system includes an additional tube for allowing entry of at least one medical instrument for manipulation of the' cavity. In yet another alternative embodiment, the examination system disperses medicine within the cavity. In yet another alternative embodiment, the complete examination system -minus the processor portion -is disposable.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram depicting an exemplary client/server system which may be used by an. exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In bne embodiment of the present invention, a communication system 800 includes a multiplicity of clients with a sampling of clients denoted as a client 802 and a client 804, a multiplicity of local networks with a sampling of networks denoted as a local network 806 and a local network 808, a global network 810 and a multiplicity of servers with a sampling of servers denoted as a server 812 and a server 814.

[0031]. Client 802 may communicate bi-directionally'with local network 806 via a communication channel 816. Client 804 may communicate bi-directionally with local network 808 via a communication channel 818. Local network 806 may communicate bi-directionally with global network 810 via a communication channel 820. Local network 808 may communicate bi-directionally with global network 810 via a communication channel 822. Global network 810 may communicate bi-direct!onally with server 812 and server 814 via a communication channel 824. Server 812 and server 814 may communicate bi-directionally with each other via communication channel 824. Furthermore, clients 862, 804, local networks $061 808, global network 810 and servers 812, 814 may. each communicate bi-directionally with each other.

[00321 In one, embodiment, global network 810 may operate as the Internet.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that communication system 800 may take many different forms. Non-liñiiting, examples of forms for communication system 800 include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wired telephone networks, wireless networks, or any other network supporting data communication between respective entities. 14, ,

[0033] Clients 802 and 804 may take many different forms. Non-limiting examples of clients 802 and 804 include personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones and smartphones.

[0034) Client 802 includes a CPU 826, a pointing device 828, a keyboard 830, a microphone 832, a printer 834, a memory 836, a mass memory storage 838, a GUI 840, a video camera 842, an input/output interface 844 and a network interface 846.

[0035] CPU 826, pointing device 828, keyboard 830, microphone 832, printer 834, memory 836, mass memory storage 838, GUI 840, video camera 842, input/output interface 844 and network interface 846 may communicate in a unidirectional manner or a bi-directional manner with each other via a communication channel 848. Communication channel 848 may be configured as a single communication channel or a multiplicity of communication channels.

[0036] CPU 826 may be comprised of a single processor or multiple processors. CPU 826 may be of various types including micro-controllers (e.g., with embedded RAM/ROM) and microprocessors such as programmable devices (e.g., RISC or SISC based, or CPLDs and FPGA5) and devices not capable of being programmed such as gate array ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or general purpose microprocessors.

[0037] As is well known in the art, memory 836 is used typically tb transfer data and instructions to CPU 826 in a bi-directional manner. Memory 836, as discussed previously, may include any suitable computer-readable media, intended for data storage, such as those described above excluding any wired or wireless transmissions unless specifically noted. Mass memory storage 838 may also be coupled bi-directionally to CPU 826 and provides additional data storage capacity and may include any of the computer-readable media described above.

Mass memory storage 838 may be used to store prograrnsç data and the like and is typically a secondary storage medium such as a hard disk. It will be appreciated that the information retained within mass memory storage 838, may,. Is

in appropriate cases, be incorporated in standard fashion as part of memory 836 as virtual memory.

[00381 CPU 826 may be coupled to GUI 840. GUI 840 enables a user to view the operation of computer operating system and software. CPU 826 may be coupled to pointing device 828. Non-limiting examples of pointing device 828 include computer mouse, trackball and touchpad. Pointing device 828 enables a user with the capability to maneuver a computer cursor about the viewing area of GUI 840 and select areas or features in the viewing area of GUI 840. CPU 826 may be coupled to keyboard 830. Keyboard 830 enables a user with the capability to input alphanumeric textual information to Cpu 826. CPU 826 may be coupled to microphone 832. Microphone 832 enables audio produced by a user to be recorded, processed. and communicated by CPU 826. CPU 826 may be connected to printer 834. Printer 834 enables a user with the capability to print information to a sheet of paper. CPU 826 may be connected to video camera 842. Video camera 842 enables video produced or captured by user to be recorded, processed and communicated by CPU 826.

[0039] CPU 826 may also be coupled to input/output interface 844 that connects to one or more input/output devices such as such as CD-ROM, video monitors, track balls, mice, keyboards, microphones; touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers, magnetic or paper tape readers, tablets, styluses, voice or handwriting recognizers, or other well-known input devices such as, of course, other computers.

t0040] Finally, CPU 826 optionally may be coupled to network interface 846 which enables communication with an external device such as a database or a computer or telecommunications or internet network using an external connection shown generally as communication channel 816, which may be implemented as a hardwired or wireless communications link using suitable conventional technologies. With such a connection, CPU 826 might receive information from the network, or might output information to a network in the course of perforthing the method steps described in the teachings of the present invention.

[0041] The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. --

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is: 1. A system comprisfrig: an examination portion configured to examine and/or manipulate a cavity, and a processor portion, in which the examination portion comprises an examination tube configured to at least partially enter said cavity, in which the examination tube comprises: adistal end providing: an aperture; and an illumination portion; a proximal end; and a cable portion configured to transmit a signal between said examination portion and a processor portion, in which the cable portion comprises a processor connector for engaging with the processor portion; in which the examination portion further comprises a camera removably connected to the distal end of the tube, in which the camera is configured to provide an image of the inside of said cavity; in which the system further comprises a handle portion arranged to engage the proximal end of the examination tube, said handle portion comprising an examination tube regulator configured to handle or manipulate said examination tube, said handle portion further comprising a fluid portion and gas insufflation bulb configured to disperse fluid and gas from said aperture at the distal end of the tube; and in which said cable portion comprises a display portion for viewing said image from said camera.
2. A system according to claim 1, with reference to the figures and -substantially as described herein.