System and Method for Wirelessly Transmitting Operational Data From an Endoscope to a Remote Device

Abstract

A system for wirelessly transmitting data from an endoscope, comprising an endoscope having a control body, an insertion tube extending from the control body, the distal end of the insertion tube containing an image sensor and a light source, and a control head connected to the control body, which comprises a battery; a light source amplifier connected to the battery, the light source amplifier operable to boost the intensity of the light source; a video processor configured to create compressed video data from a video stream captured via the image sensor; and a wireless communication module configured to negotiate a wireless connection with a mobile device, wherein the wireless communication module is further configured to transmit the compressed video data to the mobile device over the wireless connection, and wherein the wireless communication module comprises a channel discriminator configured to automatically avoid RF interference.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This disclosure is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 508,265, filed Oct. 7, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 998,690, filed Jul. 7, 2014.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates in general to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to a system and method for wirelessly transmitting operational data from an endoscope to a remote device.[0003]Doctors and veterinarians rely on a bevy of medical imaging technologies, including x-rays, x-ray fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT / PET scans to obtain different views of a patient's symptoms and anatomy. However, for some conditions, it may be advantageous or necessary to gather real-time operational data from inside the body by relying on a device known as an endoscope.[0004]Endoscopes can be used in a variety of medical procedures. For example, an endoscope may be used to investiga...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a wireless endoscopy system that allows for remote monitoring and operation using a personal device, such as a smartphone or tablet. This system is adaptable and portable, allowing veterinary medicine to perform endoscopy procedures at remote locations or on-site with multiple animals. The invention meets the requirements of a conventional endoscope and is FDA approved for medical use. The technical effects of the invention include improved monitoring and operation capabilities, as well as increased portability and flexibility for veterinary medicine.

Problems solved by technology

Such a configuration limits the usage of the endoscope to procedures conducted in the examiner's office due to the size and weight of the supporting equipment.

Mobility is extremely limited due to its bulky nature.

Additionally, this option, by itself, does not provide the capability to capture images and video, nor does it allow for printing or the possibility of other integrated functionality.

Use with an eyepiece can also present unique challenges for veterinarians, who must stand in close proximity to an animal patient, which may become spooked during the operation.

Such an encapsulated approach leads to expensive proprietary solutions that handcuff the display technology to the signal processing unit and preclude the substitution of other general purpose displays such as a smart device or tablet.

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