An autoscope device and method of positioning of autoscope device

Abstract

The present invention discloses an autoscope device (100) comprising: a frame (102), a control unit (108), a slider assembly (110) and a scope (120). The frame is configured to support one or more instruments for a medical investigation. The control unit (108) controls the electronic operations of the autoscope device (100). The slider assembly (110) is communicatively coupled to the control unit (108) disposed to the frame (102); and the scope (120) is communicatively coupled to the control unit (108) and the slider assembly (110), wherein the scope (120) is tubular in shape and is capable of being inserted in airway of a human being or any animal, and the scope (120) is capable of moving in one or more directions based on movement in the slider assembly (110). A representation of the present disclosure is shown hereinbelow

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to a fiberoptic bronchoscope device and more particularly to an autoscope device and method for facilitating positioning of the autoscope device.BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, bronchoscopy procedure is used to examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi i.e., air passages that leads to the lungs of a human body. A bronchoscope instrument is a thin and tube-like instrument with a light source and a lens for viewing. Usually, the bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth. Further, Fibreoptic Bronchoscopy ("FOB") is a process of intubating patients with difficult airways. For example, it is desirable to perform this via the oral route, specific airways have been devised to push the tongue anteriorly to clear a passage for the fiberscope into the trachea. Although some of these airways were originally proposed for use in awake patients, they are now predominantly used in anaesthetized patients. Conventionally, the bronchoscope can move in vertical direction at the tip (bending section) with the help of a bending rubber. However, the controls for such vertical direction movement are commanded by a human operator. Thus, there is a likelihood that the human operator may commit a mistake during the procedure resulting in an internal injury to the patient. Further, it is a very difficult task to position the fiberoptic bronchoscope in the patient's trachea based on live display of the patient's trachea on a display screen.

[0003] Hence, there is a need for a device which provide which is capable of self-positioning itself and able to manoeuvre in multiple directions with no or minimal human intervention. Further, the present invention aims to provide a device capable of facilitating self-insertion the tubes for bronchoscopy procedure and self-positioning the same in trachea, in order to address the aforementioned issues. Also, the present invention aims to provide a method for automatic positioning of the autoscope device.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simple manner, which is further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is neitherintended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor to determine the scope of the disclosure.

[0005] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure an autoscope device comprising: a frame, a control unit, a slider assembly and a scope. The frame is configured to support one or more instruments for a medical investigation. The control unit act as a command center which provides a communicative connection to all components of the autoscope device. The slider assembly is communicatively coupled to the control unit disposed to the frame and the scope is communicatively coupled to the control unit and the slider assembly wherein the scope is tubular in shape and is capable of being inserted in airway of a human being or any animal, and the scope is further capable of moving in one or more directions based on movement in the slider assembly.

[0006] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the slider assembly of the autoscope device comprises a pair of top rollers and a pair of bottom rollers wherein each the top rollers is communicatively coupled to the bottom roller on each of lateral side of the slider assembly through one or more roller connectors.

[0007] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the each of the rollers of the pair of top rollers are connected to each other through one or more cables and each of the rollers of the bottom rollers are connected to each other through one or more cables wherein each of the pair top rollers and each of the pair of bottom rollers connected to the control unit through one or more cables.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pair of top rollers includes a first top roller and a second top roller facing opposite to each other and the pair of the bottom rollers includes a first bottom roller and a second bottom roller facing opposite to each other wherein the first top roller being on the same lateral side of the slider assembly as the first bottom roller and the second top roller being on the same lateral side of the slider assembly as of the second bottom roller such that the pair of top rollers and the pair of the bottom rollers enables a vertical movement of the scope.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the autoscope device includes one or more disc members communicatively coupled to the scope that ensures a lateral movement of the scope.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more disc members are connected to the control unit though one or more connecting members that ensures a connection between the control unit and the one or more disc members.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the scope of the autoscope device includes one or more ports wherein each of the one or more ports are accessible from one or more vertical access portions of the scope. In the said embodiment, the one or more ports includes one or more suction port wherein the one or more suction port is connected to a suction portion adjoining the control unit enabling suction mechanism to from end portion of the scope.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more ports includes a biopsy port wherein the autoscope device is capable of conducting a biopsy.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more ports includes an autoscope camera port, a light source or a drug installation port.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the autoscope device comprises one more sensors in the interior portion of the scope wherein the one or more sensors detects presence of one or more gases wherein the one or more gases include carbon dioxide gas.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the scope of the autoscope device is capable of moving in one or more direction based on one or more commands from a control panel wherein the control panel is a push-button mechanism.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of moving an autoscope device in or more directions comprising the steps of: receiving an input by a control unit from one or more ports accessible from a bottom portion of a scope, determining one or more directions by the control unit based on input received from one or more ports in the scope, moving vertically the scope by the control unit based on the one more directions determined by the control unit, wherein the vertical movement of the scope is caused by a slider assembly wherein the slider assembly comprises plurality of rollers.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of moving an autoscope device in or more directions comprising the steps of: receiving an input by a control unit from one or more ports accessible from a bottom portion of a scope, determining one or more directions by the control unit based on input received from one or more ports in the scope, moving laterally the scope by the control unit based on the one more directions determined by the control unit, wherein the lateral movement of the scope is caused by one or more discs adorningly attached to the control unit.

[0018] Further, the present invention discloses a computing system for facilitating self-insertion and self-positioning of the autoscope device in trachea. The computing system includes one or more hardware processors and a memory coupled to the one or more hardware processors. The memory includes a plurality of modules in the form of programmable instructions executable by the one or more hardware processors. The plurality of modules includes a data receiver module configured to receive a live video of a patient's trachea from the autoscope camera. The autoscope camera is configured to capture the live videoof the patient's trachea. Further, the plurality of modules include a data identification module configured to identify one or more parts of the trachea starting from an oral cavity till bronchus by analysing the received live video by using an object detection model. The plurality of modules further include a control determination module configured to determine one or more slide controls and one or more turn controls for performing one or more actions via the fiberoptic bronchoscope. The plurality of modules also perform suctioning of mucus in accordance with the requirement. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the suctioning is performed at a safely regulated pressure when secretions or body fluid obstruct the respiratory tract. The one or more actions comprise at least one of: advance further, retract back, turn up, turn down, turn right, and turn left. Furthermore, one or more signals corresponding to the one or more actions are transmitted to the autoscope device. The computing system facilitates coordinated response based on the received live video by performing complex movements to achieve a perfect placement of bronchoscope inside the trachea.

[0019] Further, the plurality of modules further includes a data confirmation module configured to detect carbon dioxide emitted from the patient's lungs based on a carbon dioxide sensor placed in the autoscope device for confirming position of the scope in the respiratory tract. The plurality of modules include a data output module configured to output a confirmation message on a computer screen with a prompt to disengage sliders by pressing a manual override button and advance endotracheal tubes by riding over the autoscope device.

[0020] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for facilitating self-insertion and self-position of fiberoptic bronchoscope in trachea is disclosed. The method includes receiving a live video of a patient's trachea from the autoscope camera. The autoscope camera is configured to capture the live video of the patient's trachea. The method also includes identifying one or more parts of the trachea starting from an oral cavity till bronchus by analysing the received live video by using an object detection model. Furthermore, the method includes determining one or more slide controls and one or more turn controls for performing one or more actions via the autoscope device. The one or more actions comprise at least one of: advance further, retract back, turn up, turn down, turn right, and turn left. Furthermore, one or more signals corresponding to the one or more actions are transmitted to the autoscope device. A coordinated response is facilitated based on the received live video by performing complex movements to achieve a perfect placement of bronchoscope inside the trachea. The method further includes detecting carbon dioxide emitted from the patient's lungs based on a carbon dioxide sensor placed in the autoscope device for confirming position of the scope in the respiratory tract.Further, the method includes outputting a confirmation message on a computer screen with a prompt to disengage sliders by pressing a manual override button and advance endotracheal tubes by riding over the fiberoptic bronchoscope.

[0021] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 is side view of an exemplary autoscope device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 is another side view of the autoscope device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a top view of an exemplary interconnecting rod and control unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a front view of the exemplary interconnecting rod and control unit, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a front view of an exemplary power and communication connection assembly, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a front view of the slider assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a front view of an exemplary control unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an exemplary scope assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computing system capable of facilitating self-insertion and self-position of the autoscope device in trachea, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for facilitating selfinsertion and self-position of autoscope device in trachea, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0034] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0035] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0036] The terms "comprise", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, additional sub-modules. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the samemeaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosurebelongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and notintended to be limiting. A computer system (standalone, client or server computer system)configured by an application may constitute a "module" (or "subsystem") that is configuredand operated to perform certain operations. In one embodiment, the "module" or"subsystem" may be implemented mechanically or electronically, so a module includededicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (within a special-purpose processor) to perform certain operations. In another embodiment, a "module" or "subsystem" may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry (as encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations.

[0038] Accordingly, the term "module" or "subsystem" should be understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically constructed permanently configured (hardwired) or temporarily configured (programmed) to operate in a certain manner and / or to perform certain operations described herein.

[0039] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGs. 1 through FIG. 10, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments and these embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary system and / or method.

[0040] FIG. 1 is side view of an exemplary autoscope device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As per the present disclosure, an autoscope device (100) comprising: a frame or a stand assembly (102), a power and communication connection assembly (104), an interconnecting rod and circuit board assembly (106), a control unit (108), a slider assembly (110), and a scope (102). The slider assembly (110) is communicatively coupled to the control unit (108) disposed to the frame (102) and the scope (120) is communicatively coupled to the control unit (108) and the slider assembly (110), such that the scope (120) is tubular in shape and is capable of being inserted in airway of a human being or any animal, and the scope (120) is capable of moving in one or more directions based on movement in the slider assembly (110).

[0041] FIG. 2 is another side view of the autoscope device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The said embodiment depicts the stand base (102B) and a metal rod (102A). The stand base (102B) and the metal rod (102A) provides external support to the autoscope device (100).

[0042] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 depicts a top view and front of an exemplary interconnecting rod and control unit respectively , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The said embodiment depicts an one or more interconnecting rods (154), a common higher cable (156), a power cable (150A), a system cable (152), a first slider cable (158) and a second slider cable (160). It is to be noted that the interconnecting rods (154) provides support to the electrical connection for the control unit (108), the slider assembly (110) and other components of the autoscope device (100) since the interconnecting rods (154) connects the frame assembly / stand (102) with the slider assembly (110), control unit (108)and the scope (120). The power cable (150A) act as primary source of electric energy for the control unit (108) and other components of the autoscope device (100). Further, the system cable (152) provides a communicative connection to the control unit (108) to a computer device. It is to be noted that the autoscope device (100) is capable of being driven in one or more directions through the slider assembly (110). The slider assembly (110) includes a pair of top rollers (111, 112) and a pair of bottom rollers (113, 114),wherein each the top rollers is communicatively coupled to the bottom roller on each of lateral side of the slider assembly (110) through one or more roller connectors (115, 116). The communicative connection between the pair of top rollers (11, 112) is achieved through the first slider cable (158) and a second slider cable (160). Further the slider assembly (110) is connected to the control unit (108) through the common higher cable (156) such that the first slider cable (158) and the second slider cable (160) are communicatively connected to the common higher cable (156).

[0043] Further FIG. 4 depicts one or more disc members (117, 118) communicatively coupled to the scope (120), a first knob branch (164), and a second knob branch (166) such that the one or more disc members (117, 118) include a first disc member (117) and a second disc member (118) which are connected to the control unit (108) through the first knob branch (164) and the second knob branch (166) respectively. It is to be noted that the one or more disc members enables lateral movement of the scope (120) in one or more lateral directions.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a front view of an exemplary power and communication connection assembly, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The said embodiment depicts a power plug (134), a power cable (136), an adapter and gas analyser (138), a USB plug (140), a USB cable (142), a power indicator (144), and an LED light (146). The sad electrical components ensure a communicative connection of the control unit (108), the one or more disc members (117, 118) and the slider assembly (110) with the electric energy and the computer device.

[0045] FIG 6. is a front view of the slider assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The said embodiment depicts the slider assembly (110) which includes a pair of top rollers (111, 112) and a pair of bottom rollers (113, 114),such that each the top rollers is communicatively coupled to the bottom roller on each of lateral side of the slider assembly (110) through one or more roller connectors (115, 116). Further, each of the rollers of the pair of top rollers (111, 112) are connected to each other through one or more cables and each of the rollers of the bottom rollers (113, 114) are connected to each other through one or more cables wherein each of the pair top rollers (111, 112) and each of the pair of bottom rollers (113, 114) connected to the control unit (108) through one ormore cables. As per the depicted embodiment the pair of top rollers (111, 112) includes a first top roller (111) and a second top roller (112) facing opposite to each other and the pair of the bottom rollers (113, 114) include a first bottom roller (113) and a second bottom roller (114) facing opposite to each other wherein the first top roller (111) being on the same lateral side of the slider assembly (110) as the first bottom roller (113) and the second top roller (112) being on the same lateral side of the slider assembly (110) as of the second bottom roller (114) such that the pair of top rollers (111,112) and the pair of the bottom rollers (113, 114) enables a vertical movement of the scope (120). The vertical movement is caused by a command from the control unit (108) such that an integral movement of the pair of top rollers (111, 112) and the pair of bottom rollers results in vertical up and down movement of the scope (120).

[0046] FIG 7 is a front view of an exemplary control unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The said embodiment depicts one or more ports includes one or more suction port (122) wherein the one or more suction port (122) is connected to a suction portion (122A) adjoining the control unit (108) enabling suction mechanism to from end portion of the scope (120).

[0047] As per another embodiment of the present disclosure, the autoscope device (100) is capable of moving in one or more direction based on one or more commands from a control panel (108) wherein the control panel (108) is replaced by a push-button mechanism (130). In a situation when an endoscopic tube (ET) is inserted till trachea through the fiberoptic bronchoscope the ET tube is fit to the bronchoscope for inserting it inside the trachea. When the manual override button (130) is pressed, the upper cylindrical pipes positioned above the top rollers (111, 112) moves towards outward side resulting in movement of the first top roller (111) and the second top roller (112) towards outward direction. When the first top roller (111) and the second top roller (112) move towards outward direction, the ET tube can be inserted.

[0048] A similar insertion of the ET tube can be caused in another embodiment through an command from the control unit (108) however in such embodiment the push bottom (130) has not role and the autoscope device (100) operates in a fully automatic manner.

[0049] FIG 8 is a bottom view of an exemplary scope assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The said embodiment depicts one or more ports such that each of the one or more ports are accessible from one or more vertical access portions of the scope (120). The one or more ports include autoscope camera (124), a light source (125), a drug installation port (126), and a biopsy port (123) wherein the autoscope device is capable of conducting a biopsy.

[0050] Further as per an embodiment of the present disclosure includes one more sensors (121) in the interior portion of the scope (120) wherein the one or more sensors (121) detects presence of one or more gases wherein the one or more gases include carbon dioxide gas. It is to be noted that the one or more sensors (121) sends input to the control unit (108) which then causes the movement of the scope or the ET tube only in the direction detecting the desired gas i.e., carbon dioxide. Therefore presence of one or more sensors (121) is essential in determining the pathway or movement of the scope (120) or the ET tube.

[0051] FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computing system (200) capable of facilitating self-insertion and self-position of fiberoptic bronchoscope in trachea. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the computing system (200) corresponds to a computer. The computing system (200) comprises one or more hardware processors (202), a memory (204) and a storage unit (206). The one or more hardware processors (202), the memory (204) and the storage unit (206) are communicatively coupled through a system bus (208) or any similar mechanism. The memory (204) comprises a plurality of modules (210) in the form of programmable instructions executable by the one or more hardware processors (202). Further, the plurality of modules (210) includes a data receiver module (212), a data identification module (214), a control determination module (216), a data confirmation module (218) and a data output module (220).

[0052] The one or more hardware processors (202), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor unit, microcontroller, complex instruction set computing microprocessor unit, reduced instruction set computing microprocessor unit, very long instruction word microprocessor unit, explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor unit, graphics processing unit, digital signal processing unit, or any other type of processing circuit. The one or more hardware processors (202) may also include embedded controllers, such as generic or programmable logic devices or arrays, application specific integrated circuits, single-chip computers, and the like.

[0053] The memory (204) may be non-transitory volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory (204) may be coupled for communication with the one or more hardware processors (202), such as being a computer-readable storage medium. The one or more hardware processors (202) may execute machine-readable instructions and / or source code stored in the memory (204). A variety of machine-readable instructions may be stored in and accessed from the memory (204). The memory (204) may include any suitable elements for storing data and machine-readable instructions, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasableprogrammable read only memory, a hard drive, a removable media drive for handling compact disks, digital video disks, diskettes, magnetic tape cartridges, memory cards, and the like. In the present embodiment, the memory (204) includes the plurality of modules (210) stored in the form of machine-readable instructions on any of the above-mentioned storage media and may be in communication with and executed by the one or more hardware processors (202).

[0054] The storage unit (206) may be a cloud storage or a local file directory within a remote server. The storage unit (206) may store an object detection model.

[0055] The data receiver module (212) is configured to receive a live video of a patient's trachea from a bronchoscope camera. The bronchoscope camera is configured to capture the live video of the patient's trachea, such that the captured live video is transmitted to the data receiver module (212) of the computing system (200).

[0056] The data identification module (214) is configured to identify one or more parts of the patient starting from an oral cavity till bronchus by analysing the received live video by using an object detection model. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more parts are nostrils including nasal cavity, nasal conchae and nasal vestibule, pharynx, oral cavity, esophagus, larynx including epiglottis, thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage, vocal folds. Trachea including carina of trachea, main bronchi, lingular division brochi, right lung including superior lobe, horizontal fissure, oblique fissure, middle lobe and inferior lobe, left lung including superior lobe, apex of left lung, oblique fissure, cardiac notch, lingula of lung and inferior lobe, and lobar bronchus including superior, inferior and middle. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, this data is provided to the computing system (200) by multiple video recordings of airway during routing fiberoptic bronchoscopy of patients.

[0057] The control determination module (216) is configured to determine one or more slide controls and one or more turn controls for performing one or more actions via the fiberoptic bronchoscope. The one or more actions include advance further, retract back, turn up, turn down, turn right, turn left, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fiberoptic bronchoscope includes a set of rollers to move a scope of the fiberoptic bronchoscope in vertical direction.

[0058] The data confirmation module (218) is configured to detect carbon dioxide emitted from the patient's lungs based on a carbon dioxide sensor placed in the bronchoscope for confirming position of the bronchoscope in the respiratory tract. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the human operator can also monitor live display on the screen.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the data output module (220) is configured to output a confirmation message on the computer screen with a prompt to disengage sliders by pressing a manual override button and advance endotracheal tubes by riding over the fiberoptic bronchoscope. Thus, the human operator can successfully place the endotracheal tube inside the trachea.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for facilitating selfinsertion and self-position of fiberoptic bronchoscope in trachea, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step (302), a live video of a patient's trachea is received from a bronchoscope camera. The bronchoscope camera is configured to capture the live video of the patient's trachea, such that the captured live video is transmitted to the computing system.

[0061] At step (304), one or more parts of the patient starting from an oral cavity till bronchus are identified by analysing the received live video by using an object detection model. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more parts are nostrils including nasal cavity, nasal conchae and nasal vestibule, pharynx, oral cavity, esophagus, larynx including epiglottis, thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage, vocal folds. Trachea including carina of trachea, main bronchi, lingular division brochi, right lung including superior lobe, horizontal fissure, oblique fissure, middle lobe and inferior lobe, left lung including superior lobe, apex of left lung, oblique fissure, cardiac notch, lingula of lung and inferior lobe, and lobar bronchus including superior, inferior and middle. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, this data is provided to the computing system 100 priorly by multiple video recordings of airway during routing fiberoptic bronchoscopy of patients.

[0062] At step (306), one or more slide controls and one or more turn controls are determined for performing one or more actions via the fiberoptic bronchoscope. The one or more actions include advance further, retract back, turn up, turn down, turn right, turn left, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, one or more signals corresponding to the one or more actions are transmitted to the fiberoptic bronchoscope to perform the one or more actions. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the computing system facilitates coordinated response based on the received live video by performing complex movements to achieve a perfect placement of bronchoscope inside the trachea.

[0063] At step (308), carbon dioxide emitted from the patient's lungs is detected based on a carbon dioxide sensor placed in the bronchoscope to confirms position of the bronchoscope in the respiratory tract. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the human operator can also monitor live display on the screen.

[0064] At step (310), a confirmation message is outputted on the computer screen with a prompt to disengage sliders by pressing a manual override button and advance endotracheal tubes by riding over the fiberoptic bronchoscope. Thus, the human operator can successfully place the endotracheal tube inside the trachea.

[0065] The method (300) may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

[0066] Thus, various embodiments of the present computing system provide a solution to facilitate self-insertion and self-position of fiberoptic bronchoscope in trachea. The scope (120) of the autoscope device (100) of the present invention may move in one or more directions with turn controls of up / down / right / left at the tip (bending section) with the help of bending rubber. Additionally, the scope (120) is integrated with slide controls forward slide and backward slide. Unlike in the conventional models, all these control systems are commanded by a control unit (108) rather than humans. The autoscope device (120) is also capable of being replaced with manual over ride button (130) such that the bending in two different planes or can turn towards 4 slides, sliders which are system automated or can be manually over-ridded to disengage.

[0067] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0068] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

[0069] The embodiments herein can comprise hardware and software elements. The embodiments that are implemented in software include but are not limited to, firmware, resident software, microcode, etc. The functions performed by various modules described herein may be implemented in other modules or combinations of other modules. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus thatcan comprise, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0070] The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium. Examples of a computer-readable medium include a semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read / write (CD-R / W) and DVD.

[0071] Input / output (I / O) devices (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I / O controllers. Network adapters may also be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modem and Ethernet cards are just a few of the currently available types of network adapters.

[0072] A representative hardware environment for practicing the embodiments may include a hardware configuration of an information handling / computer system in accordance with the embodiments herein. The system herein comprises at least one processor or central processing unit (CPU). The CPUs are interconnected via system bus 108 to various devices such as a random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and an input / output (I / O) adapter. The I / O adapter can connect to peripheral devices, such as disk units and tape drives, or other program storage devices that are readable by the system. The system can read the inventive instructions on the program storage devices and follow these instructions to execute the methodology of the embodiments herein.

[0073] The system further includes a user interface adapter that connects a keyboard, mouse, speaker, microphone, and / or other user interface devices such as a touch screen device (not shown) to the bus to gather user input. Additionally, a communication adapter connects the bus to a data processing network, and a display adapter connects the bus to a display device which may be embodied as an output device such as a monitor, printer, or transmitter, for example.

[0074] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention. When a single device or article is described herein, it will be apparent that more than one device / article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of asingle device / article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it will be apparent that a single device / article may be used in place of the more than one device or article, or a different number of devices / articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and / or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality / features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself.

[0075] The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments. Also, the words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

Claims

1. An autoscope device (100) comprising: a frame (102) configured to support one or more instruments for a medical investigation; a control unit (108); a slider assembly (110) communicatively coupled to the control unit (108) disposed to the frame (102); and a scope (120) communicatively coupled to the control unit (108) and the slider assembly (110), wherein the scope (120) is tubular in shape and is capable of being inserted in airway of a human being or any animal, and the scope (120) is capable of moving in one or more directions based on movement in the slider assembly (110).

2. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider assembly (110) includes a pair of top rollers (111, 112) and a pair of bottom rollers (113, 114),wherein each the top rollers is communicatively coupled to the bottom roller on each of lateral side of the slider assembly (110) through one or more roller connectors (115, 116).

3. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the rollers of the pair of top rollers (111, 112) are connected to each other through one or more cables and each of the rollers of the bottom rollers (113, 114) are connected to each other through one or more cables wherein each of the pair top rollers (111, 112) and each of the pair of bottom rollers (113, 114) connected to the control unit (108) through one or more cables.

4. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pair of top rollers (111, 112) includes a first top roller (111) and a second top roller (112) facing opposite to each other and the pair of the bottom rollers (113, 114) include a first bottom roller (113) and a second bottom roller (114) facing opposite to each other wherein the first top roller (111) being on the same lateral side of the slider assembly (110) as the first bottom roller (113) and the second top roller (112) being on the same lateral side of the slider assembly (110) as of the second bottom roller (114) such that the pair of top rollers (111,112) and the pair of the bottom rollers (113, 114) enables a vertical movement of the scope (120).

5. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the autoscope device (100) includes one or more disc members (117, 118) communicatively coupled to the scope (120) and causing lateral movement of the scope (120).

6. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more disc members(117, 118) are connected to the control unit (108) though one or more connecting members.

7. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scope (120) includes one or more ports wherein each of the one or more ports are accessible from one or more vertical access portions of the scope (120).

8. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more ports includes one or more suction port (122) wherein the one or more suction port (122) is connected to a suction portion (122A) adjoining the control unit (108) enabling suction mechanism to from end portion of the scope (120).

9. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more ports includes a biopsy port (123) wherein the autoscope device is capable of conducting a biopsy.

10. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more ports comprises an autoscope camera (124).

11. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more ports includes a light source (125).

12. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more ports includes a drug installation port (126).

13. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the autoscope device comprises one more sensors (121) in the interior portion of the scope (120) wherein the one or more sensors (121) detects presence of one or more gases wherein the one or more gases include carbon dioxide gas.

14. The autoscope device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scope (120) is capable of moving in one or more direction based on one or more commands from a control panel (130) wherein the control panel (130) is a push-button mechanism.

15. A method of moving an autoscope device (100) in or more directions comprising the steps of: receiving an input by a control unit (108) from one or more ports accessible from a bottom portion of a scope (120); determining one or more directions by the control unit (108) based on input received from one or more ports in the scope (120); moving vertically the scope (120) by the control unit (108) based on the one more directions determined by the control unit (108), wherein the vertical movement of the scope (120) is caused by a slider assembly (110) wherein the slider assembly (110) comprises plurality of rollers.

16. A method of moving an autoscope device (100) in or more directions comprising the steps of: receiving an input by a control unit (108) from one or more ports accessible from a bottom portion of a scope (120); determining one or more directions by the control unit (108) based on input received from one or more ports in the scope (120); moving laterally the scope (120) by the control unit (108) based on the one more directions determined by the control unit (108), wherein the lateral movement of the scope (120) is caused by one or more discs (117, 118) adorningly attached to the control unit (108).