Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
  • A61B1/0661—Endoscope light sources
  • A61B1/0684—Endoscope light sources using light emitting diodes [LED]
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
  • A61B1/00011—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission
  • A61B1/00016—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission using wireless means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
  • A61B1/05—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
  • A61B1/0638—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements providing two or more wavelengths

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an endoscopic/boroscopic instrument with wireless transmission and wireless charging module. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wireless transmitting endoscopic/boroscopic instrument, enabled with video processing transmitter module and wireless charging using electromagnetic induction module for use in endoscopic/boroscopic procedures.
• Endoscopic and boroscopic instruments are meant for visualizing the interior of a hollow cavity.
• Endoscopes are used in medical procedures to visualize the internal body cavity or organ whereas horoscopes are used in non-medical procedures to visualize the interior of cavities in any machinery and the like. Both require the use of a light source that connects to a proximal end of the instrument.
• a wired connection is used as a physical medium to connect the camera to a video monitor or processing system. Images viewed by the endoscope with light source are converted to video image data by an image capturing device like a camera and then transmitted over the wired connection to the video monitor for display.
• the current systems typically use, for example a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) as the image sensor, in the form of a light-sensitive chip that converts the optical signals into electrical signals that are conveyed from the CCD to, for example, an image- sensing camera module.
• CCD Charge-Coupled Device
• Such systems typically use an illumination source, which supplies illuminating light to the area ahead of the device via an illumination cable, and transmit images picked up by the CCD back to a video monitor via an image cable.
• the cabling and light guides add complexity to the system and increase the corresponding size and weight of the device.
• High-intensity light is provided to the endoscope by the light source unit through a flexible light conduit which may be a fiber optic cable.
• a typical light source unit comprises of a light bulb, a ballast power supply, control circuitry and cooling fans.
• This system is extremely inefficient and must generate extremely bright light to compensate for the distance the light rays must travel and the losses experienced through the system.
• Such system leads to transmission of substantially high amount of infrared heat energy into the patient, which can create hazardous conditions during the surgical/diagnostic procedures.
• the wavelength and thus color of the light cannot be controlled, which can adversely affect image quality, and the light cable that connects the light source to the scope is cumbersome.
• LEDs light emitting diodes
• LEDs are small in size, they can be integrated into an endoscope to bring the light source closer to the site.
• Currently available LEDs are usually pre-packaged single diode assemblies. It is difficult to obtain the light output required for endoscopic applications in a compact space. If multiple LEDs are placed on one circuit board, their proximity becomes limited by required heat dissipation. As heat increases, lifetime of the LED dramatically decreases. Reducing the supplied power can reduce the thermal load, but decreases the light output.
• these LEDs required a charging unit either through a cable connecting to the instrument or a battery disposed within the instrument to constantly charge the light source and other processing units. Due to these requirements the endoscopic process is highly dependent on the charging devices which ultimately limit the continuous operation through such instruments.
• the above referenced endoscopes, horoscopes, and various light sources may be satisfactory for their intended purposes, there is a need for a compact, lightweight, wireless transmission enabling and charging module for endoscopes and horoscopes.
• the light source and image processing unit should be wirelessly-operated so that it is compact and portable and so that it eliminates the requirement for a various cable connectivity and complexity of the instruments.
• a compact device which can eliminate the cables and bulky cameras and light sources and fiber optic cables, enabling user to carry the device in a small bag.
• the main object of this invention is to provide an endoscopic/boroscopic instrument enabled with wireless transmission and wireless charging module.
• Yet another object of this invention is to provide a compact and lightweight endoscope having module for wireless transmission and wireless charging.
• Yet another object of this invention is to reduce the thermal load of the instrument.
• Yet another object of this invention is to reduce power requirements of the wireless transmission and charging module.
• Yet another object of this invention is to provide a module of Light Emitting Diodes which can be electronically controlled to emit a particular wavelength and intensity.
• Yet another object of this invention is to provide an improved video imaging system for use in an endoscopic device that reduces the complexity and size of the present systems.
• Yet another object is to provide a compact device which can eliminate the cables and bulky cameras and light sources and fiber optic cables
• Yet another object is to enable user to carry the device in a small bag.
• Yet another object of this invention is to reduce the cost associated with the manufacture of the device.
• Yet another object of this invention is to minimize the problems associated with present endoscopic operations.
• the present invention relates to an endoscopic/boroscopic instrument with wireless transmission and wireless charging module. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wireless transmitting endoscopic/boroscopic instrument using video processing transmitter module and wireless charging using electromagnetic induction module for use in endoscopic/boroscopic procedures. Further, the proposed invention comprises endoscope/boroscopes with controllable wavelength and intensity emitting diode for advanced imaging and effective results, wherein the said wavelength emitting diode emits wavelength which can be converted into an optically detectable range.
• the invention described herein has great importance in complex endoscopy which can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic uses in every endoscopic related field including brain, otolaryngological, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and urological endoscopy, as well as arthroscopic joint surgery including shoulders, hips, knees, ankles etc.
• the invention described herein has great importance in boroscopy which can be used for cavity inspection in furnaces , aircraft engines etc.
• the multifunctional capacities compressed into a single wireless, portable instrument enabling tissue illumination, tissue manipulation, and therapeutic laser directed treatment with a wireless image transmitting in real time and charging module would also have profound advantages in the fields of military, emergency, ambulatory, and aerospace medicine in areas and situations where sources of electricity are minimal.
• an elongated endoscope/boroscope is adapted for holding an image sensor with optics, a transmitter, an illuminator, an antenna, a rechargeable battery, and a wireless charger receiver.
• the endoscope has an insertion/distal end for insertion into a cavity.
• An LED module is mounted together with an image sensor (with optics) module on the distal/insertion end of the endoscope for inserting the module into the cavity while the module is connected to the insertion end of the endoscope.
• the endoscope comprises a hollow elongated tube extending from a handle end i.e. proximal end, of the endoscope to the insertion end i.e. distal end, of the endoscope.
• the distal/insertion end of the tube is of smaller diameter than the handle/proximal end.
• the equipment includes an imaging system, and the said imaging system includes an electronic image sensor for converting focused light received through the window into electronic image signals.
• the equipment also has one or more wireless electrical elements near the insertion end of the tube to provide wireless electrical power to the lens and LED module.
• the image sensor of the imaging system may include a CCD device for converting focused light into electronic image signals.
• the imaging system may also include one or more fixed focus lenses positioned axially in a light path between the window and the image sensor.
• the imaging system may also include a wireless transmitter for broadcasting electronic image signals from the endoscope in real time manner.
• the wireless electrical elements at the insertion end of the tube may be, for example, inductive coils incorporated in a multi-layer circuit board and adapted for providing wireless electricity to respective nearly adjacent (closely spaced) axially aligned inductive elements of the lens module.
• the endoscope/boroscope has controllable wavelength emitting diode for advanced imaging and effective results, wherein the said wavelength emitting diode emits wavelength which can be converted into an optically detectable range.
• the detectable wavelength emitting diode acts as illuminating agent.
• the said optical wavelength can be controlled so as to generate lights of different colors as per the requirement during the endoscopic/boroscopic procedures.
• FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the wireless endoscopic device in accordance with the present invention
• FIG. 2 shows a plan view of wireless power transmitting coil together with drive circuit module in accordance with the present invention
• FIG. 3 shows a plan view of video receiving unit together with display monitor in accordance with the present invention
• FIG. 4A shows the image capturing and illuminating module for the device with 90 degree distal end in accordance with the present invention
• FIG. 4B show the image capturing and illuminating module for medical flexible endoscopic instrument in accordance with the present invention
• FIG. 4C show the image capturing and illuminating module for medical rigid endoscopic instrument and rigid boroscopic instrument in accordance with the present invention
• FIG. 5 shows electronic circuit video processor and transmitter module in accordance with the present invention
• FIG.6A shows an exploded view of the wireless endoscopic module in accordance with the present invention
• FIG.6B shows a perspective view of the wireless endoscopic module in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG.7A shows an alternate embodiment in accordance with the FIG. 6A
• FIG.7B shows an alternate embodiment in accordance with the FIG. 6B
• FIG.8A shows an alternate embodiment in accordance with the FIG. 7A
• FIG.8B shows an alternate embodiment in accordance with the FIG. 7B
• FIG.9A shows an exploded view of the wireless rigid angled boroscopic and endoscopic module in accordance with the present invention
• FIG.9B shows a perspective view of the wireless rigid boroscopic and endoscopic module in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG.IOA shows an alternate embodiment with an angled distal end in accordance with the FIG. 9A;
• FIG.10B shows an alternate embodiment in accordance with the FIG. 9B
• FIG.11A shows an alternate embodiment in accordance with the FIG. 9A
• FIG.10B shows an alternate embodiment in accordance with the FIG. 9B.
• the present invention relates to an endoscopic/boroscopic instrument with wireless transmission and wireless charging module.
• an example of such endoscopic/boroscopic instrument will now be described.
• the present invention is not limited to implementation by any particular set of elements, and the description herein is merely representational of one embodiment. The specifics of one or more embodiments of the invention are provided below in sufficient detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand and practice the present invention.
• FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the perspective view of the wireless endoscopic device in accordance with the present invention.
• the instrument is adapted for holding an image capturing sensor with optics 1 and an array of illuminators 2 at the distal end of the endoscope/boroscope which is inserted into a cavity for visualisation.
• the image capturing sensor with optics 1 and an array of illuminators 2 are strategically fitted in an electronic module 3 where an array of illuminators 2 may consist of white, colored LEDs or LEDs of different wavelength as required by the surgical procedures, for example lasers, IR or UV, distributed at the outer circumference of the lens 1.
• the boroscope/endoscope includes a hollow elongate tube extending from a proximal end 6 to the distal end 5 of the endoscope.
• a wireless power transmitter coil 12 attached to the device (with no direct electrical contact) or can be kept a distance away for wireless charging of the unit.
• a Module 11 contains necessary drive circuit to transmit power to the device via coil 12 and control panel 15 having wireless charging receiver coil.
• Control panel 15 contains necessary switches and visual indicators to turn on/off the unit and to control the various parameters of the unit.
• FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a wireless power transmitter coil 12 attached to the endoscopic device or can be kept a distance away for wireless battery charging.
• Module 11 contains necessary drive circuit to transmit power to the device via coil 12.
• FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a wireless video receiver and processor 13 which receives video signal wirelessly from the endoscopic device and sends it to a display monitor 14 for viewing.
• FIG. 4a, 4b, & 4c schematically illustrates image capturing and illuminating module in accordance with the present invention.
• CCD (charge coupled diode) video and illuminator module 3 is electrically connected to electronic circuit module 7 by shielded electrical signal carrier 4, for example, wires.
• CCD video and illuminator module 3 and signal carrier 4 to hold the image sensor with optics 1 in a fixed position along a distal end of the endoscope.
• Heat transfer attachments, if any, for the illuminators are provided within the body of the device.
• Illuminator array 2 is driven by a shielded driver circuit contained in electronic module 7 and connected to it by shielded electrical signal carrier 4.
• Fig 4a shows a 90 degree distal end.
• FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an electronic module 7 contains shielded video processor, video transmitter, illuminator driver, control circuit and unshielded antenna 17.
• Electronic module 3 and electronic circuit 7 together consist of video processing and transmitting circuit which are shielded to prevent electromagnetic interference.
• Video data transmitter 7 which is unshielded, is connected to shielded video transmitter circuit in module 7.
• FIG. 6a, 7a & 8a schematically illustrate an exploded view of the wireless endoscopic module in accordance with the present invention.
• the image sensor module 1 is connected to wireless electronic circuit 7 with an antenna 17 through shielded electrical signal carrier 4.
• the wireless electronic circuit 7 may receive raw video data from the image sensor in real time manner; and may broadcast/transmit the processed video signals with incorporated transmitter and antenna 17 in real time.
• the electronic circuit 7 is connected to the rechargeable power source 8 to operate the electronic circuit 7.
• the electronic circuit 7 is also connected to the wireless power receiver module 16 and control panel 15 to provide control signals to control the parameters of the device and an array of illuminators 2 and is connected to the image sensor.
• the rechargeable power source 8 provides power to all the electronic components to operate the imaging module 1, illuminators 2, the Electronic module 3 and the electronic circuit 7.
• FIG. 6b, 7b & 8b schematically illustrate a perspective view of the wireless endoscopic module in accordance with the present invention.
• the endoscope includes a hollow elongate tube extending from a proximal end 6 to the distal end 5 of the endoscope.
• the endoscopic instrument is adapted for holding an image capturing sensor with optics 1 and an array of illuminators 2 at the distal end of the endoscope and electronic circuit 7, the rechargeable power source 8, the wireless power receiver board 16 and control panel 15 at the proximal end of the endoscope.
• FIG. 9a, 10a & 11a schematically illustrate an exploded view of the wireless rigid boroscopic and rigid endoscopic module in accordance with the present invention.
• the image sensor with optics, module 1 is connected to wireless electronic circuit 7 with an antenna 17 through shielded electrical signal carrier 4.
• the wireless electronic circuit 7 may receive raw video data from the image sensor; and may broadcast/transmit the processed image signals out with antenna 17.
• the electronic circuit 7 is connected to the rechargeable power source 8 to operate the necessary electronic components.
• the electronic circuit 7 is also connected to the wireless power receiver board 16 and control panel 15 to provide control signals and visual indication and an array of illuminators 2, and is connected to the image sensor to receive electronic image signals from the image sensor.
• the rechargeable power source 8 provides power to all the electronic components to operate the image sensor 1, illuminators 2, the electronic module 3 and the electronic circuit 7.
• FIG. 9b, 10b & lib schematically illustrate a perspective view of the wireless rigid boroscopic and endoscopic module in accordance with the present invention.
• the device includes a hollow elongate tube extending from a proximal end 6 to the distal end 5.
• Fig 10a shows an angled distal end.
• the endoscopic/boroscopic instrument itself remains completely sealed with no electrical wires and cables or fiber optic light guide attached to it.
• Wireless charging eliminates the need to remove the batteries for charging.
• Full functionality of a single chip image sensor, embedded processor, and wafer-level optics with LED driver are available in one compact, small-profile package.
• video transmitter and charging electronics with antenna may be incorporated in a very small profile package. Miniaturization of electronics further reduces weight and overall dimensions of the device.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Surgery (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Biophysics (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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• Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
• Endoscopes (AREA)

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• 2013
  • 2013-06-03 IN IN1670DE2013 patent/IN2013DE01670A/en unknown
• 2014
  • 2014-06-02 WO PCT/IB2014/061884 patent/WO2014195843A2/en active Application Filing

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