Reduced area imaging device incorporated within wireless endoscopic devices

Abstract

A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. In a first embodiment of the endoscope, connections between imaging device elements and between a video display is achieved by hard-wired connections. In a second embodiment of the endoscope, wireless transmission is used for communications between imaging device components, and / or for transferring video ready signals to a video display. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining circuitry. In another configuration, all of the circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. The entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope. Alternatively, the image sensor can be placed remote from the remaining circuitry according to the first configuration, and control box is used which communicates with the image sensor and is placed remotely from the endoscope. Further alternatively, the imaging device can be incorporated in the housing of a standard medical camera which is adapted for use with traditional rod lens endoscopes. In any of the configurations or arrangements, the image sensor may be placed alone on a first circuit board, or timing and control circuits may be included on the first circuit board containing the image sensor. The timing and control circuits and one or more video processing boards can be placed adjacent the image sensor in a tubular portion of the endoscope, in other areas within the endoscope, in the control box, or in combinations of these location.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 496,312 filed on Feb. 1, 2000, and entitled “Reduced Area Imaging Devices”, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 175,685 filed Oct. 20, 1998 entitled “Reduced Area Imaging Devices”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,043,839, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08 / 944,322, filed Oct. 6, 1997, and entitled “Reduced Area Imaging Devices Incorporated Within Surgical Instruments”, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,901. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 368,246 filed on Aug. 3, 1999, and entitled “Reduced Area Imaging Devices Incorporated Within Surgical Instruments”.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to solid state image sensors incorporated within wireless endoscopes, and more particularly, to solid state image sensors which are incorporated within wireless endoscopes that wirelessly transmit video images for viewing. BACKGROUND ART [0003] In recent years, endoscopic surgery ha...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] In a second embodiment of the endoscope, a wireless communications means may be used to allow various elements of the imaging device to communicate with one another. Transfer of video images to a video display can also be achieved by the wireless communications means. Thus in the second embodiment, the endoscope does not have to be physically connected to other operating room equipment which greatly enhances the ease of using the wireless endoscope. Particularly in endoscopic procedures which are conducted in hard to reach locations within the body, a wireless endoscope is advantageous because there are no trailing cables or sterile drapes which otherwise complicate maneuvering of the endoscope. In general, enhanced maneuverability of the endoscope is provided by the wireless communications.

[0023] A simplified endoscope may be used which includes a very small diameter tubular portion which is inserted within the patient The tubular portion may be made of a flexible material having a central lumen or opening therein for receiving the elements of the imaging device. The tubular portion may be modified to include an additional concentric tube placed within the central lumen and which enables a plurality of light fibers to be placed circumferentially around the periphery of the distal end of the tubular portion. Additionally, control wires may extend along the tubular portion in order to make the endoscope steerable. The material used to make the endoscope can be compatible with any desired sterilization protocol, or the entire endoscope can be made sterile and disposable after use.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, this hybrid is able to run on a low power source (5 volts) which is normally not possible on standard CCD imagers which require 10 to 30 volt power supplies.

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