U.S. patent application number 13/709249 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for endoscopic imaging system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Smith & Nephew, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Yuri Kazakevich, Tung Van Le. Invention is credited to Yuri Kazakevich, Tung Van Le.
Application Number | 20130100264 13/709249 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42697252 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130100264 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kazakevich; Yuri ; et
al. |
April 25, 2013 |
ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING SYSTEM
Abstract
An endoscopic imaging system includes an endoscope, a light
source assembly coupled to the endoscope that transmits light to
the endoscope for illuminating a region of interest, an imaging
unit coupled to the light source assembly that receives light
through the endoscope reflected from the region of interest, a
first power module coupled to the light source assembly that
provides electrical power to the light source assembly, and a
second and different power module coupled to the imaging unit that
provides electrical power to the imaging unit. Other imaging
systems and a method are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Kazakevich; Yuri; (Andover,
MA) ; Le; Tung Van; (Lawrence, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kazakevich; Yuri
Le; Tung Van |
Andover
Lawrence |
MA
MA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Smith & Nephew, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
42697252 |
Appl. No.: |
13/709249 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12508162 |
Jul 23, 2009 |
8363097 |
|
|
13709249 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/68 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/00126 20130101;
A61B 1/0638 20130101; A61B 1/00006 20130101; A61B 1/0684 20130101;
A61B 1/042 20130101; G02B 23/2484 20130101; G02B 23/2469 20130101;
A61B 1/00032 20130101; A61B 1/00016 20130101; H04N 7/18 20130101;
A61B 1/00105 20130101; A61B 1/00108 20130101; A61B 1/0669
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/68 |
International
Class: |
A61B 1/06 20060101
A61B001/06; H04N 7/18 20060101 H04N007/18 |
Claims
1. An endoscopic imaging system comprising: an endoscope; a light
source assembly coupled to the endoscope that transmits light to
the endoscope for illuminating a region of interest; an imaging
unit coupled to the light source assembly that receives light
through the endoscope reflected from the region of interest,
wherein the imaging unit comprises a wireless transceiver that
receives and transmits control signals and image data representing
the image of the region of interest wirelessly from and to an
external unit, wherein the imaging unit is coupled to the light
source assembly such that the endoscope and the light source
assembly are able to rotate together while the imaging unit remains
stationary.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising optics coupled to the
light source assembly to enable manipulation of the light to the
endoscope for illuminating the region of interest.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the optics enable coupling of
light emitted from the light source assembly to the endoscope.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electronic light
control circuitry connected to the light source and the imaging
unit wherein said light control circuitry regulates a light output
of the light source responsive to control signals from the imaging
unit.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source assembly
comprises an LED assembly.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising optics located between
the endoscope and the imaging unit to enable the imaging unit to
receive the light reflected by the region of interest from the
endoscope.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the optics are configured to
enable focusing of the image.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the optics are configured to
enable zooming into the image.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the external unit to which the
wireless transceiver is wirelessly coupled is a camera control unit
that: transmits the control signals to the imaging unit; receives
the image data from the imaging unit; and causes a display unit
coupled to the camera control unit to display the image represented
by the image data.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a power module
coupled to the imaging unit to provide electrical power to the
imaging unit and the light source assembly.
11. The system of claim 10, further comprising an electrical
contact mechanism coupled to the imaging unit and the light source
assembly, the electrical contact mechanism being connected to the
power module to transmit electrical power provided by the power
module to the light source assembly.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the imaging unit includes a
cable over which the imaging unit receives and transmits control
signals and image data representing the image of the region of
interest from and to an external unit.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the imaging unit further
receives power from an external power unit through the cable.
14. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a first power module
coupled to the imaging unit to provide electrical power to the
imaging unit; and a second power module coupled to the light source
assembly to provide electrical power to the light source assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/508,162, filed Jul. 23, 2009, now allowed.
The contents of the prior application are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Technology
[0003] The present disclosure relates to endoscopic imaging
systems.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Medical endoscopic imaging systems are used in surgical
procedures to inspect regions of interest within a patient's body,
such as, for example, cavities and joints, through a small
incision. In general, an endoscopic imaging system includes an
endoscope, a camera head attached to the endoscope, a remote light
source tethered to the endoscope via a fiber optic cable, and a
camera control unit coupled to the camera head via a power and data
cable.
[0006] The endoscope includes a rigid or flexible elongated
insertion tube that is inserted into the patient's body such that
the distal tip of the insertion tube is positioned at the region of
interest. The insertion tube defines one or more illumination
channel(s) for transmitting light received from the remote light
source to the region of interest to illuminate the region of
interest. The insertion tube also defines an imaging channel for
relaying an image of the region of interest to an image sensor in
the camera head.
[0007] Typically, for the rigid insertion tube, the illumination
channels contain an incoherent fiber optic bundle that extends
through the channels, and the imaging channel contains an objective
lens followed by one or more rod lenses positioned adjacent to each
other in series or a coherent fiber bundle that relays the image
formed by the objective lens to the focusing assembly. For the
flexible insertion tube, the tube includes an imaging channel that
houses an objective lens and a coherent fiber bundle, and one or
more illumination channels located adjacent to the imaging channel
that house incoherent optical fiber bundles for illumination.
[0008] A focusing assembly housed within the endoscope includes
optics that can be manipulated by the surgeon to focus the image on
the image sensor located in the camera head.
[0009] The camera head receives the image of the region of interest
from the focusing assembly of the endoscope, converts the image
into electronic data, and transmits the data over the power and
data cable to the camera control unit for processing. The image is
then transmitted by the camera control unit to a display unit that
is coupled to the camera control unit. The camera head uses the
power and data cable to both receive power and to communicate with
the external camera control unit.
SUMMARY
[0010] To increase a surgeon's ability to move, rotate, and aim the
endoscope of an endoscopic imaging system during a procedure, a
cable-free hand-held endoscopic imaging system is desirable. The
disclosed endoscopic imaging system includes an endoscope, a light
source to transmit light through illumination channels in the
endoscope, and an imaging unit to receive images of a region of
interest that are formed at a tip of the endoscope that is inserted
into the region. The components of the system are freely attachable
and detachable from each other.
[0011] In an aspect, an endoscopic imaging system includes an
endoscope, a light source assembly coupled to the endoscope that
transmits light to the endoscope for illuminating a region of
interest, an imaging unit coupled to the light source assembly that
receives light through the endoscope reflected from the region of
interest, a first power module coupled to the light source assembly
that provides electrical power to the light source assembly, and a
second and different power module coupled to the imaging unit that
provides electrical power to the imaging unit.
[0012] In an embodiment, the system further includes optics coupled
to the light source assembly to enable manipulation of the light to
the endoscope for illuminating the region of interest. In another
embodiment, the optics enable coupling of light emitted from the
light source assembly to the endoscope. In yet another embodiment,
the system further includes an electronic light control circuitry
connected to the light source and the imaging unit, wherein the
light control circuitry regulates a light output of the light
source responsive to control signals from the imaging unit. In a
further embodiment, the first power module includes a battery. In
yet a further embodiment, the second power module includes a
battery.
[0013] In an embodiment, the second power module includes an
interface for connecting to an external and remote power source via
a cable. In another embodiment, the imaging unit is coupled to the
light source assembly such that the endoscope, the light source
assembly, and the battery are able to rotate together while the
imaging unit remains stationary. In yet another embodiment, the
second power module includes a battery. In a further embodiment,
the second power module includes an interface for connecting to an
external and remote power source via a cable. In yet a further
embodiment, the system further includes a first coupling means
coupling the endoscope to the light source assembly, and a second
coupling means coupling the light source assembly to the imaging
unit.
[0014] In an embodiment, at least one of the first and second
coupling means enables detachable coupling. In another embodiment,
the second coupling means includes a threaded connector. In yet
another embodiment, the light source assembly includes an LED
assembly. In a further embodiment, the imaging unit is coupled to
the light source assembly such that the endoscope and the light
source assembly are able to rotate together while the imaging unit
remains stationary. In yet a further embodiment, the system further
includes optics located between the endoscope and the imaging unit
to enable the imaging unit to receive the light reflected by the
region of interest from the endoscope.
[0015] In an embodiment, the optics are configured to enable
focusing of the image. In another embodiment, the optics are
configured to enable zooming into the image. In yet another
embodiment, the imaging unit includes a wireless transceiver that
receives and transmits control signals and image data representing
the image of the region of interest wirelessly from and to an
external unit. In a further embodiment, the external unit to which
the wireless transceiver is wirelessly coupled is a camera control
unit that transmits the control signals to the imaging unit;
receives the image data from the imaging unit; and causes a display
unit coupled to the camera control unit to display the image
represented by the image data.
[0016] In another aspect, an endoscopic imaging system includes an
endoscope having a front end for viewing a region of interest, a
light source assembly that transmits light to the endoscope for
illuminating the region of interest, a first coupling means
coupling the endoscope to the light source assembly, an imaging
unit that receives an image of the region of the interest formed by
the endoscope, and a second coupling means coupling the light
source assembly to the imaging unit, wherein at least one of the
first and second coupling means enables detachable coupling.
[0017] In an embodiment, the second coupling means includes a
threaded connector. In another embodiment, the system further
includes optics coupled to the light source assembly to enable
manipulation of the light to the endoscope for illuminating the
region of interest. In yet another embodiment, the optics enable
coupling of light emitted from the light source assembly to the
endoscope. In a further embodiment, the system further includes an
electronic light control circuitry connected to the light source
and the imaging unit wherein the light control circuitry regulates
a light output of the light source responsive to control signals
from the imaging unit. In yet a further embodiment, the light
source assembly includes an LED assembly.
[0018] In an embodiment, the imaging unit is coupled to the light
source assembly such that the endoscope and the light source
assembly are able to rotate together while the imaging unit remains
stationary. In another embodiment, the system further includes
optics located between the endoscope and the imaging unit to enable
the imaging unit to receive the light reflected by the region of
interest from the endoscope. In yet another embodiment, the optics
are configured to enable focusing of the image. In a further
embodiment, the optics are configured to enable zooming into the
image. In yet a further embodiment, the imaging unit includes a
wireless transceiver that receives and transmits control signals
and image data representing the image of the region of interest
wirelessly from and to an external unit.
[0019] In an embodiment, the external unit to which the wireless
transceiver is wirelessly coupled is a camera control unit that
transmits the control signals to the imaging unit; receives the
image data from the imaging unit; and causes a display unit coupled
to the camera control unit to display the image represented by the
image data. In another embodiment, the second coupling means
enables detachable coupling of the light source assembly to the
imaging unit. In yet another embodiment, the system further
includes a power module coupled to the imaging unit to provide
electrical power to the imaging unit and the light source assembly.
In a further embodiment, the system further includes an electrical
contact mechanism coupled to the imaging unit and the light source
assembly, the electrical contact mechanism being connected to the
power module to transmit electrical power provided by the power
module to the light source assembly.
[0020] In an embodiment, the first coupling means enables
detachable coupling of the endoscope to the light source assembly.
In another embodiment, the imaging unit includes a cable over which
the imaging unit receives and transmits control signals and image
data representing the image of the region of interest from and to
an external unit. In yet another embodiment, the imaging unit
further receives power from an external power unit through the
cable. In a further embodiment, the endoscope includes a light post
configured to be received by the light source assembly, the light
post having a central longitudinal axis that is parallel to an
optical axis of the system.
[0021] In yet another aspect, an endoscopic imaging system includes
an endoscope, a light source assembly coupled to the endoscope that
transmits light to the endoscope for illuminating a region of
interest, an imaging unit coupled to the light source assembly that
receives light through the endoscope reflected from the region of
interest, wherein the imaging unit includes a wireless transceiver
that receives and transmits control signals and image data
representing the image of the region of interest wirelessly from
and to an external unit, wherein the imaging unit is coupled to the
light source assembly such that the endoscope and the light source
assembly are able to rotate together while the imaging unit remains
stationary.
[0022] In an embodiment, the system further includes optics coupled
to the light source assembly to enable manipulation of the light to
the endoscope for illuminating the region of interest. In another
embodiment, the optics enable coupling of light emitted from the
light source assembly to the endoscope. In another embodiment, the
system further includes an electronic light control circuitry
connected to the light source and the imaging unit wherein the
light control circuitry regulates a light output of the light
source responsive to control signals from the imaging unit. In yet
another embodiment, the light source assembly includes an LED
assembly. In a further embodiment, the system further includes
optics located between the endoscope and the imaging unit to enable
the imaging unit to receive the light reflected by the region of
interest from the endoscope. In yet a further embodiment, the
optics are configured to enable focusing of the image.
[0023] In an embodiment, the optics are configured to enable
zooming into the image. In another embodiment, the external unit to
which the wireless transceiver is wirelessly coupled is a camera
control unit that transmits the control signals to the imaging
unit; receives the image data from the imaging unit; and causes a
display unit coupled to the camera control unit to display the
image represented by the image data. In another embodiment, the
system further includes a power module coupled to the imaging unit
to provide electrical power to the imaging unit and the light
source assembly. In yet another embodiment, the system further
includes an electrical contact mechanism coupled to the imaging
unit and the light source assembly, the electrical contact
mechanism being connected to the power module to transmit
electrical power provided by the power module to the light source
assembly. In a further embodiment, the imaging unit includes a
cable over which the imaging unit receives and transmits control
signals and image data representing the image of the region of
interest from and to an external unit. In yet a further embodiment,
the imaging unit further receives power from an external power unit
through the cable.
[0024] In a further aspect, an imaging system includes an
endoscope; a light emitting diode (LED) assembly coupled to the
endoscope that provides light to be directed to a region of
interest by the endoscope; an electronic control circuitry
operatively coupled to the LED assembly that regulates output of
the light provided by the LED assembly based on received control
signals; and an imaging unit comprising an image sensor and coupled
to the LED assembly. In an embodiment, the electronic control
circuitry regulates a drive current provided to the LED assembly to
regulate an intensity of light emitted by the LED assembly
responsive to a brightness of the region of interest detected by
the image sensor. In another embodiment, the electronic control
circuitry is configured to synchronize a duty cycle of the LED
assembly with a frame clock of the image sensor; and change the
duty cycle of the LED assembly responsive to a brightness of the
region of interest detected by the image sensor.
[0025] In yet a further aspect, a method includes coupling an
endoscope to a first coupling means that is coupled to a light
source such that light provided by the light source is transmitted
through the endoscope to a region of interest, coupling an imaging
unit to a second coupling means that is coupled to the light source
of the unit to form an endoscopic imaging system, the imaging unit
being coupled to the light source such that an image formed by the
endoscope is received by the imaging unit, and coupling a power
module to the unit, the power module providing electrical power to
the endoscopic imaging system, wherein at least one of the first
and second coupling means enables detachable coupling.
[0026] In an embodiment, the light source includes an LED assembly.
In another embodiment, coupling the power module includes coupling
a power module that provides electrical power to the imaging unit
and to the light source. In yet another embodiment, coupling the
imaging unit to the second coupling means that is coupled to the
light source includes coupling the imaging unit such that an
electrical contact mechanism is coupled to the imaging unit and the
light source, the electrical contact mechanism being connected to
the power module to transmit electrical power provided by the power
module to the light source. In a further embodiment, the first
coupling means permits the light source and the endoscope to rotate
together while the imaging unit remains stationary. In yet a
further embodiment, the method further includes controlling a duty
cycle of the LED assembly to regulate a light output responsive to
a brightness of the region of interest received by the imaging
unit. In an embodiment, the method further includes regulating a
drive current provided to the LED assembly to regulate an intensity
of light emitted by the LED assembly responsive to a brightness of
the region of interest received by the imaging unit.
[0027] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure
will become apparent from the detailed description provided
hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description
and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of
the disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the
present disclosure and together with the written description serve
to explain the principles, characteristics, and features of the
disclosure. In the drawings:
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates components of a first implementation of
an endoscopic imaging system.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows the endoscopic imaging system of FIG. 1,
assembled.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an LED endocoupler of
the endoscopic imaging system of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates components of a second implementation of
an endoscopic imaging system.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates components of a third implementation of
an endoscopic imaging system.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an endoscopic imaging
system, including a wireless transceiver module.
[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates components of a fourth implementation of
an endoscopic imaging system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0036] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
disclosure, its application, or uses.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an endoscopic imaging system 100
includes a hand-held unit 105 tethered to a camera control unit 108
by a cable 115. The hand-held unit 105 includes three components:
an endoscope 120, an LED endocoupler 125, and an imaging unit 130.
The three components are freely attachable to and detachable from
each other via respective coupling means 135 and 140. The ability
to disassemble the hand-held unit 105 of the endoscopic imaging
system 100 into its three components adds versatility to the system
100 in that the components of the hand-held unit 105 are
individually replaceable. For example, different endoscopes 120,
for example, 30.degree. direction of view endoscopes, 70.degree.
direction of view endoscopes, endoscopes of various diameters,
rigid or flexible, and the like, can be coupled to the LED
endocoupler 125. Similarly, different LED endocouplers 125 having
various focal lengths may be coupled to the imaging units 130.
Also, different imaging units 130 may be utilized.
[0038] Moreover, the ability to disassemble the hand-held unit 105
also facilitates repair of the system 100 by allowing separate
removal and repair of each component. Although modularity of the
device is preferred, it is not necessary. For example, the
endoscope 120 and the LED endocoupler 125 can be one assembly that
is not detachable, the imaging unit 130 and the LED endocoupler 125
can be one assembly that is not detachable, or all three components
can be one assembly that is not detachable. Furthermore, the
imaging unit 130 can be shaped as a handle, for example, either as
an in-line handle or a pistol grip handle. In addition, it is
possible to have a handle whereby the device includes a handle that
houses the LED and the focusing assembly in a fixed position, i.e.,
the LED and the focusing assembly are integral, whereby a focusing
ring is not necessary.
[0039] Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, the endoscope 120 includes
a proximal housing 121, and an insertion tube 122 having an angled
distal tip 124. The proximal housing 121 and the insertion tube 122
house a fiber optic bundle 310. The endoscope 120 receives light
from the LED endocoupler 125 and transmits the light via the fiber
optic bundle 310 to a region of interest to illuminate the region
of interest. An optical image is formed by an objective lens (not
shown) at the distal tip 124. The insertion tube 122 contains one
or more rod lenses (not shown) that relay the optical image of the
region of interest formed by the objective lens. Alternatively,
rather than rod lenses, the insertion tube 122 can contain a
coherent fiber bundle, in which case the insertion portion can be
flexible.
[0040] The LED endocoupler 125 is attached to the endoscope 120 via
the coupling means 135, for example, a snap-fit connector, and is
attached to the imaging unit 130 via the coupling means 140, for
example, a threaded C-mount connector. The LED endocoupler 125
includes an LED assembly having one or more light emitting diodes
(LEDs) for transmitting light to the region of interest through the
endoscope 120, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,920
entitled "Solid-state light source", and U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,431
entitled "Endoscopic system with a solid-state light source," the
contents of both being incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety. As shown in FIG. 3, the LED assembly 305 is coupled to
the fiber optic bundle 310 through an optical coupling device 315,
for example, a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) type optical
coupling device. Such coupling devices can be commercially
obtained, for example, from FRAEN Corporation (Reading, Mass.). The
LED endocoupler 125 also includes a rotational joint 128 such as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,431 that allows the LED assembly
305 of LED endocoupler 125 and the endoscope 120 to rotate together
as a unit about axis 145, via the use of rotation handle 126,
relative to the remainder of LED endocoupler 125 and imaging unit
130. Axis 145 is, for example, the optical axis of the endoscopic
imaging system 100.
[0041] The LED endocoupler 125 receives electrical power from the
imaging unit 130 through electrical contact 127 (FIG. 1).
Electrical power is provided to the LED assembly 305 by an
electrical connection (not shown) through the rotational joint 128
such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,431.
[0042] The LED endocoupler 125 further includes a focusing assembly
320 composed of a focusing ring 129 and the focusing lenses 325. A
user can manually rotate the focusing ring 129 to bring the image,
that is formed at the distal end 124 of the scope and relayed to
the image sensor located in the camera head, into focus on the
sensor.
[0043] The imaging unit 130 includes an image sensor (not shown),
for example, a charge coupled device sensor or a CMOS sensor, that
receives the focused image from the focusing lenses 325 of the LED
endocoupler 125 and that converts the focused image into electronic
image data. The imaging unit 130 transmits the image data via cable
115 to the camera control unit 108 for processing and subsequent
transmission of the image to the display unit 110. The imaging unit
130 also receives control signals and power from the camera control
unit 108 over the cable 115.
[0044] The imaging unit 130 may also include button switches (not
shown) to provide a user interface for controlling of various
functions, e.g. taking a still image, operating a video recorder,
adjusting image brightness, etc.
[0045] The camera control unit 108 includes a user interface that
allows the user of the system 100 to control the operation of the
imaging unit 130 and to perform various processing of the image
data received from the imaging unit 130. The display unit 110
displays the image data as an image on a monitor for viewing by the
user.
[0046] In use, a surgeon or other medical personnel selects an
endoscope 120 and an LED endocoupler 125 with the appropriate focal
length and assembles the hand-held unit 105 by attaching the
selected endoscope 120 to the LED endocoupler 125 and attaching the
imaging unit 130 to the LED endocoupler 125. After assembling the
hand-held unit 105 and verifying that the hand-held unit 105 is
properly connected to the camera control unit 108 by the cable 115,
the surgeon guides the distal tip 124 of the endoscope 120 to the
region of interest. To change the effective field of view of the
endoscope 120, the surgeon rotates the endoscope 120 by rotating
the LED endocoupler 125 using the rotation handle 126. The rotating
joint 128 enables the combination of the endoscope 120 and the LED
assembly (hereinafter referred to as "the endoscope-LED assembly
unit") to rotate without changing the orientation of the image on
the image sensor. Separate from rotating the endoscope-LED assembly
unit, the surgeon can focus the image relayed through the endoscope
120 by using the focusing ring 129. In particular, the surgeon
views the images on the display unit 110 and rotates the focusing
ring 129 as necessary to adjust the displayed image. Similar to the
coupler 125 and the endoscope 120, the imaging unit 130 may be
interchangeable. In addition, the coupler may include a zoom
feature that can be controlled by a separate ring.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, an endoscopic imaging system 400
includes an endoscope 120, an imaging unit 130, an LED endocoupler
405 coupled to the endoscope 120 and to the imaging unit 130 via
respective coupling means, and a battery module 410 attached to the
LED endocoupler 405 to provide electric power to the LED
endocoupler 405. The battery module 410 includes a battery (not
shown) that can be either rechargeable or single-use and is
received in a housing 412 of the module 410. The housing 412 closes
in a water-tight sealed fashion, for example, using a cap or
clam-shell design. The battery module 410 includes power management
circuitry for conserving the battery power and using battery power
in an efficient way.
[0048] Because the LED endocoupler 405 receives electric power from
the battery module 410, in this implementation, the LED endocoupler
405 does not include an electrical contact, such as the electrical
contact 127 shown in FIG. 1. As in the system 100 of FIG. 1, the
imaging unit 130 of system 400 is coupled to a camera control unit
108 through the cable 115. The imaging unit 130 receives control,
transmission, and power signals from the camera control unit 108.
However, the imaging unit 108 does not transmit power signals to
the LED endocoupler 405.
[0049] A particular advantage of system 400 is that it is fully
backward compatible with commercially available camera heads
(imaging units) because the electrical power to the LED endocoupler
405 is provided by the battery module 410, and no changes to the
imaging unit 130 are required to enable power transmission from the
imaging unit 130 to the LED endocoupler 405.
[0050] As in the LED endocoupler 125, the LED endocoupler 405
includes a rotational joint (not shown) that allows the LED
assembly 305 (FIG. 3) of LED endocoupler 405, the battery module
410 and the endoscope 120 to rotate together as a unit about axis
145 relative to the remainder of LED endocoupler 405 and imaging
unit 130. The advantage of such a configuration is that the battery
module 410 and the LED assembly in the LED endocoupler 405 move in
unison. As a result, the connection between the battery module 410
and the LED assembly is simplified, for example, negating the need
for a slip-ring type or other dynamic connections.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 5, an endoscopic imaging system 500
includes an endoscope 120, an LED endocoupler 125 coupled to
endoscope 120 via a coupling means (not shown), and an imaging unit
505 that is attached to the LED endocoupler 125 via a coupling
means 140. Imaging unit 505 includes a battery module 510 and a
wireless transceiver module 515. The battery module 510 can include
a battery, a housing to receive the battery, and power management
circuitry as described above with reference to the battery module
410. The battery module 510 provides electric power to both the
imaging unit 505 and the LED endocoupler 125. To provide power to
the LED endocoupler 125, the system 100 includes an electrical
contact 127, similar to the electrical contact 127 of FIG. 1.
[0052] The LED endocoupler 125 includes an LED electronic light
control circuitry 836 (FIG. 6) to control the operation of the one
or more LEDs in the LED endocoupler. In some implementations, the
electronic light control circuitry can regulate the brightness of
the light emitted by the LEDs by regulating the duty cycle of the
LEDs or the drive current of the LEDs via an image sensor feedback
loop. This implementation is discussed in greater detail below.
[0053] The wireless transceiver module 515 includes a wireless
transmitter/receiver and accompanying interface circuitry. Such
transceivers may be commercially obtained from Amimon (Herzlia,
Israel). The wireless transceiver module 515 transmits and receives
control and image data to and from the camera control unit 108
wirelessly. The camera control unit 108 is coupled to a display
unit 110 via cable 520 to display images received from the
endoscopic imaging system 500. To minimize time lag between
acquisition of the image and display on the display unit 110, the
transceiver must have the ability to receive and transmit wide
signal bandwidth. In operation, a surgeon performs a procedure
using the endoscopic imaging system 500 while looking at the
display unit 110. The use of a wide signal bandwidth capable
wireless transceiver module 515 provides image streams in real-time
without latency of image display so that the dexterity and surgical
precision are not adversely affected.
[0054] The wireless transceiver module 515 receives and transmits
image data to and from the camera control unit 108 by RF
modulation. A configuration of a wireless endoscopic system 800
(FIG. 6) includes an endoscope 120, an LED endocoupler 125, and an
imaging unit 505. The sensor unit 819 of the imaging unit 505
includes image sensor 816 and its control circuitry 820. The image
sensor 816 receives the image of the region of interest, and
converts the optical image data into electrical signals. The
electrical signals are converted into digital format, via an
analog-digital convertor (ADC) 818. The digital signals are sent to
a serial interface 822 where the signals are serialized for further
processing. In some sensors, such as a system on a chip design, the
ADC 818 and/or serial interface 822 may be integrated into the
sensor. In other implementations, the ADC 818 and/or serial
interface 822 are external to the sensor. The serialized signals
are optionally compressed via data compression circuitry 824. The
signals are then sent to a wireless transceiver module 515 that
modulates the signals, via a modulator 826, and performs RF up
conversion, via an RF up convertor 828, thereby creating a signal
suitable for wireless transmission, via antenna 829, to a wireless
transceiver (not shown) in the camera control unit 108.
[0055] In addition, the wireless transceiver module 515 receives
control signals from the camera control unit 108 to control one or
more components of the system 800 and ensure reliability of a
wireless link by providing a closed loop feedback between the
camera control unit 108 and the imaging unit 505. The wirelessly
transmitted control signals from the camera control unit 108 are
received by antenna 830 and converted into digital electrical
signals by RF down converter 831 and de-modulator 832.
[0056] A micro-controller 812, located within the imaging unit 505,
establishes and controls communication between the camera control
unit 108 (via transceiver module 515) and both the sensor unit 819
and LED electronic light control circuitry 836. In many endoscopic
imaging systems, the imaging unit 505 includes one or more switches
834, e.g. operated by buttons or other means of user interface,
that allow the operating surgeon to control the most frequently
used functions, such as taking a picture, operation of a recording
device, etc, from the handheld portion of the system. The commands
sent by the switches 834 are processed by the micro-controller 812
and are sent to the proper element of the system for activating the
desired function of the element.
[0057] To provide electrical power to the individual components of
the system 800 including the LED endocoupler 125 and the imaging
unit 505, the system 800 includes a power module 810, e.g. battery
or other power means. As mentioned above, the camera control unit
108 contains a transceiver module, similar to transceiver module
515. Both transceiver modules, in aggregate, establish the closed
loop wireless link between the imaging unit 505 and the camera
control unit 108.
[0058] In another implementation, both the LED endocoupler 125 and
the wireless transceiver module 515 can receive power from
dedicated power sources. Referring to FIG. 7, an endoscopic imaging
system 700 includes a first battery module 410 attached to the LED
endocoupler 405, and a second, different battery module 510
attached to the imaging unit 505 to provide electrical power to the
components of the system 700. In such an implementation, because
each unit of the endoscopic imaging system has its own power
source, an electrical contact between the LED endocoupler 125 and
the imaging unit 130 is not required.
[0059] Other implementations are within the scope of the claims.
For example, more than one LED can be used in the LED assembly 305
to provide illumination. In such an implementation, the fiber
bundle in the endoscope 120 can be split into multiple bundles. The
distal end of the LED endocoupler 125 in which the LED assembly 305
is located can receive multiple terminated fiber bundles
corresponding to multiple LEDs at the receiving end of the coupling
means 135 that couples the LED endocoupler 125 to the endoscope
120. When the LED endocoupler 125 is attached to the coupling means
135, the LED endocoupler 125 is locked in place such that the
terminated end of the fiber bundle aligns with the coupling means
135 and directs the LED light energy into the illumination channel
of the endoscope 120. Alternatively, a coupling means can be
located at the proximal end of the endoscope 120, aligned with and
permanently fixed to the fiber bundle face. When the endoscope 120
is connected to the LED endocoupler 125, the proximal end of the
coupling means is mechanically aligned with the LED and provides
for channeling the light energy into the illumination channel of
the endoscope 120.
[0060] The endoscopic imaging system 100 can include an electronic
light control unit (e.g., electronic light control circuitry 836)
that regulates a brightness of the light emitted by the LED
assembly based on control signals, for example, by regulating the
duty cycle of the LEDs or the drive current of the LEDs in the LED
assembly. Adjusting the duty cycle of the LEDs enables adjusting
the brightness of the light emitted by the LED assembly. For
example, the LEDs in the LED assembly can be synchronized with the
frame/field clock of the sensor unit 819 in the imaging unit 505.
Subsequently, the LED duty cycle per image frame (or field) can be
dynamically adjusted via an image sensor feedback loop. This can
allow the optimal use of the LED assembly, which can be enabled
only for the time that is necessary for adequate illumination of
the region being imaged. Alternatively, the adjustment of the
brightness of the LED can be dynamically controlled using a similar
feedback loop for adjusting the LED drive current. As the region
being imaged becomes brighter, the current through the LED is
automatically reduced, thereby dimming the light output. In another
implementation, a combination of duty cycle and drive current
adjustment can be employed to regulate the brightness of the light
emitted by the LED assembly.
[0061] In addition, rather than being located in the camera head,
the sensor may be located at the distal tip of the scope or
anywhere along the endoscope.
[0062] As various modifications could be made to the exemplary
embodiments, as described above with reference to the corresponding
illustrations, without departing from the scope of the disclosure,
it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth
and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of
the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined
only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and
their equivalents.
* * * * *