Video processor unit for reusable and single use endoscopes

Abstract

A video processor adapter device includes a first input port configured to electrically couple with a single-use medical device and receive a first video signal, and a second input port configured to electrically couple with a reusable medical device and receive a second video signal, where the first and second input ports can be of different configurations. Signal conditioning circuitry is coupled to the first input port and converts the first video signal to a third video signal. An electrical switch receives signals from both input ports and selects which signal to provide. An output port is coupled to the electrical switch and is configured to be electrically coupled with a video processing unit, sending either the second video signal or the third video signal to the video processing unit where the third signal can mimic the first signal.

Description

VIDEO PROCESSOR UNIT FOR REUSABLE AND SINGLE USE ENDOSCOPESPRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 670,521, filed luly 12, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to medical devices that can be used for various medical procedures. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, the present application relates to a device that interfaces with both reusable medical devices and single use medical devices.BACKGROUND

[0003] Endoscopic procedures have become a cornerstone of modern medical diagnostics and treatments by offering minimally invasive access to internal anatomical regions. For decades, video processing systems designed for reusable endoscopes have been instrumental in delivering high-quality imaging and reliable performance during clinical procedures. As technological advances have led to the development of singleuse endoscopes, the evolution of imaging tools has changed from traditional designs. Although single-use systems offer benefits such as cost reduction and improved sterility, they sometimes utilize different signal processing and connector configurations compared to their reusable counterparts.SUMMARY

[0004] Investments in video processing units that support reusable endoscopes has resulted in deployment of capital equipment infrastructure for medical institutions and / or practitioners. New imaging devices can be designed to interface seamlessly with this existing infrastructure. By maintaining compatibility, practitioners can streamline operations, reduce training time, and avoid redundancy in capital expenditures. Enabling a smooth clinical transition that accommodates both traditionaland emerging imaging modalities, can enhance diagnostic capabilities while preserving efficiency in high-demand medical environments.

[0005] There are notable differences in structure and operation between reusable and single-use endoscopes, including, for example, signal conditioning, connector design, and overall system architecture. Some endoscopes are used with dedicated processing units, or may use adapters that operate via manual intervention during source selection.

[0006] Devices that were originally engineered for reusable endoscopes may be integrated with those designed for single-use applications. Differences in connector types and signal formats between reusable and single use equipment may be resolved with additional components or adjustments to the equipment to ensure proper interfacing. Manual switching between inputs or the use of adapters can be implemented during important phases of patient care.

[0007] Examples of the present disclosure provide a video processor adapter device that can interface with a reusable medical device and a single use medical device. The reusable medical device and the single-use medical device can include an image capture device that can capture images at a target site. The captured images can be sent as video signals to a video processing unit which can adapt the captured images for display. The video signals received from a single-use medical device can include characteristics that are different from video signals that are received from a reusable medical device. The video processor adapter device can facilitate interfacing the reusable medical device and the single-use medical device with the video processing unit.

[0008] The video processor adapter devices of the present disclosure can function as a pass-through for video signals received from a reusable medical device. The video processor adapter device can modify video signals received from a single-use medical device to a format used by a reusable medical device to permit the video processing unit to process the video signals from the single-use medical device. The video processor adapter device can include a first input, such as a single-use medical device connector, that can be configured to interface with a single-use medical device. The video processor adapter device can include a second input, such as a reusable medical device connector, that can be configured to interface with a reusable medical device.

[0009] The video processor adapter device can be configured to switch between receiving, processing and / or outputting video signals from a single-use medical device and / or a reusable medical device. The video processor adapter device can automatically switch or select video signals based on receiving a video signal from the single-use medical device and / or receiving a video signal from the reusable medical device. The video processor adapter device can include a manual switch that can facilitate switching between receiving, processing and / or outputting a video signal from a single-use medical device and / or a reusable medical device. The manual switch can be a knob that a practitioner can engage, a slider, or any other mechanism that facilitates switching between input ports at the video processor adapter device. Switching can be implemented to include receiving, processing and / or outputting one or more video signals from different sources simultaneously. Moreover, the video processor adapter device can allow for implementation of a single-use medical device and a reusable medical device at the same time.

[0010] The video processor adapter device can include an output that can receive an electrical connector that extends between and / or connects the adapter device and a video processing unit. The adapter device can send video signals to the video processing unit via the electrical connector.

[0011] The video processor adapter device provides functionality that allows for switching between and / or use of a single-use medical device and / or a reusable medical device. The adapter device can provide additional functionality and reduced cost by permitting use of the same equipment for several different types of medical devices.

[0012] The adapter device can obtain a potential advantage by streamlining a process with automatic switching between different medical devices that can be coupled with equipment in order to perform various medical procedures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0013] Figure l is a diagram that illustrates a medical device system, in accordance with some examples.

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the medical device system of Figure 1, in accordance with some examples.

[0015] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a video processor adapter device of the medical device system of Figure 1 in greater detail, in accordance with some examples.

[0016] Figure 4 is an illustration of an input port of the video processor adapter device of Figure 3, in accordance with some examples.

[0017] Figure 5 is an illustration of a connector for a single-use medical device, in accordance with some examples.

[0018] Figures 6-8 are illustrations of a connector for a reusable medical device, in accordance with some examples.

[0019] Figure 9 is a schematic illustrating the video processor adapter device of Figure 3 and the connection of the video processor adapter device with a video processing unit, in accordance with some examples.

[0020] Figure 10 is a schematic of single use electronics of Figure 9, in accordance with some examples.

[0021] Figure 11 is an illustration of an alternate example of selecting an input port of the video processor adapter device of Figure 3, in accordance with some examples.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A video processor adapter device that can interface with a reusable medical device and a single use medical device is provided. The reusable medical device and the single-use medical device can include an image capture device that can capture images at a target site. The captured images can be sent as video signals to a video processing unit which can adapt the captured images for display. The video processor adapter device can facilitate interfacing the reusable medical device and the single-use medical device with the video processing unit.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a medical device 100A / 100B including an distal tip assembly 102 that form part of a medical device system 104. The medical device 100A / 100B can be a single-use medical device or a reusable medical device. For example, medical device 100A can refer to a single-use medical device while medical device 100B can refer to a reusable medical device. The convention of 100A / 100B is being used herein to denote that the examples discussed herein are applicable to both types of medical devices. The distal tip assembly 102 can be any type of medical device that can be used for various medical procedures and can be at adistal end of the medical device 100A / 100B. The distal tip assembly 102 can include a light source, a camera, or a working channel that includes a lumen, which runs the length of the medical device 100A / 100B and allows for the passage of a device, fluid, and / or suction to the distal tip assembly 102. The medical device 100A / 100B can be any type of medical device, such as an endoscope, a bronchoscope, or the like. The distal tip assembly 102 can also include interchangeable devices, needles, graspers, baskets, or the like.

[0024] The medical device 100A / 100B can be insertable into a target site for imaging or to provide passage of or attachment to (e.g., via tethering) one or more sampling devices for biopsies, or one or more therapeutic devices for treatment of a disease state associated with the target site. The medical device 100A / 100B can interface with and connect to imaging and control system 106. The medical device 100A / 100B can also comprise a duodenoscope, though other types of endoscopes can be used with the features discussed herein. The imaging and control system 106 can include an output unit 110, which can be a light emitting display, a liquid crystal display, or any other type of display device, an input unit 112, a light source unit 114, a fluid source 116, a suction pump 118, and a control unit 120.

[0025] The imaging and control system 106 can include various ports for coupling with the system 104. For example, the control unit 120 can include a data input / output port for receiving data from and communicating data to the medical device 100A / 100B. The light source unit 114 can include an output port for transmitting light to the medical device 100A / 100B, such as via a fiber optic link. The fluid source 116 can include a port for transmitting fluid to the medical device 100A / 100B. The fluid source 116 can include, for example, a pump and a tank of fluid or can be connected to an external tank, vessel or storage unit. A suction pump can include a port used to draw a vacuum from the medical device 100A / 100B to generate suction, such as for withdrawing fluid from the target site into which the medical device 100A / 100B is inserted and withdrawing samples from a target resected from the target with a resection element. The output unit 110 and the input unit 112 can be used by an operator of the system 104 to control functions of the system 104 and view output of the medical device 100A / 100B. The control unit 120 can additionally be used to generate signals or other outputs for treating the target site into which the medicaldevice 100A / 100B is inserted. The control unit 120 can generate electrical output, acoustic output, a fluid output and the like for treating the target site with cauterizing, cutting, freezing, and the like.

[0026] The control unit 120 can include an imaging engine that can receive ultrasound signal data from sensors at the distal tip assembly 102. The imaging engine can process the received ultrasound signal data to produce real-time ultrasound images for display on the output unit 110. While the control unit 120 is described as including this functionality, the system 104 can include separate componentry that provides an imaging engine and the functionality described herein. As will be discussed further below, the control unit 120 can also include a video processing unit, which can generate images based on video signals captured by the medical device 100A / 100B at a target site.

[0027] The medical device 100A / 100B can include an insertion section 122, a handle 124, which can be coupled to a cable section 126, and a coupler section 200 (Figure 2). The insertion section 122 can extend distally from the handle 124 to the distal tip assembly 102 and the coupler section 200 can extend proximally from the handle 124. The insertion section 122 can be an elongate member and include a bending section, and a distal end to which the distal tip assembly 102 is attached. The bending section can be controllable (e.g., by a control knob, e.g., actuator 128, on the handle 124) to maneuver the distal end through tortuous passageways (e.g., stomach, duodenum, kidney, ureter, etc.). The insertion section 122 can also include one or more working channels (e.g., an internal lumen) that can be elongate and can support insertion of one or more therapeutic tools of the distal tip assembly 102. The working channel can extend between the handle 124 and the distal tip assembly 102. Additional functionalities, such as fluid passages, guide wires, and pull wires can also be provided by the insertion section 122 (e.g., via suction or irrigation passageways, or the like).

[0028] The coupler section 200 can be connected to the control unit 120 to connect the medical device 100A / 100B to multiple features of the control unit 120, such as the input unit 112, the light source unit 114, the fluid source 118, and the suction pump.

[0029] The handle 124 can include a port 202. The port 202 (Figure 2), as well as other ports, can be configured to couple various electrical cables, guide wires, auxiliaryscopes, tissue collection devices, fluid tubes, and the like to the handle 124, such as for coupling with the insertion section 122.

[0030] The imaging and control system 106 can be provided on a mobile platform (e.g., a cart 130) with shelves for housing the light source unit 114, the suction pump, a video processing unit 204 (Figure 2), etc. Alternatively, several components of imaging and the control system 106 can be provided directly on the medical device 100A / 100B so as to make the endoscope “self-contained.”

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the system 104 including the imaging and control system 106 of Figure 1. The control unit 120 can include or can be coupled to the video processing unit 204, a treatment generator 206, and a drive unit 208, as well as the light source unit 114, the input unit 112, and the output unit 110. The control unit 120 can include, or can be in communication with, a surgical instrument, which can include a device configured to engage tissue and collect and store a portion of that tissue and through which imaging equipment (e.g., a camera) can view target tissue via inclusion of optically enhanced materials and components. The control unit 120 can be configured to activate a camera to view target tissue distal of the system 104 and the medical device 100A / 100B. Likewise, the control unit 120 can be configured to activate the light source unit 114 to shine light on the surgical instrument. The light source unit 114 can be controlled to illuminate a target site using light of a desired spectrum (e.g., broadband white light, narrow-band imaging using preferred electromagnetic wavelengths, and the like).

[0032] The coupler section 200 can be connected to the control unit 120 to connect the medical device 100A / 100B to multiple features of the control unit 120, such as the video processing unit 204 and the treatment generator 206. In examples, a port can be used to insert another instrument or device, such as a child scope or auxiliary scope, into the medical device 100A / 100B. Such instruments and devices can be independently connected to the control unit 120 via the cable section 126.

[0033] The video processing unit 204 can be configured to convert video signals received from the medical device 100A / 100B into signals that are capable of being displayed at the output unit 110. The video processing unit 204 can include the appropriate hardware and software to provide this functionality. For example, the video processing unit 204 can include dedicated circuits for video tasks, such aspipelines capable of video encoding, decoding, transcoding, scaling, de-interlacing, color correction, and real-time video processing. The video processing unit 204 can also support different video codecs along with including various video enhancement capabilities. These capabilities can include hardware for noise reduction, detail enhancement, edge enhancement, motion compensation, frame rate conversion, and color space conversion.

[0034] The video processing unit 204 and the light source unit 114 can each interface with the medical device 100A / 100B by wired or wireless electrical connections. The imaging and control system 106 can accordingly illuminate a target site, collect signals representing the target site, process signals representing the target site, and display images representing the target site on the display unit 110. The imaging and control system 106 can connect (e.g., via an endoscope connector) to the medical device 100A / 100B for signal transmission (e.g., light output from a light source, video signals from an imaging system in the distal end, diagnostic and sensor signals from a diagnostic device, and the like).

[0035] The system 104 can also include a video processor adapter device 132 that can interface with the medical device 100A / 100B. In examples, the medical device 100A / 100B can be a single-use endoscope or a reusable endoscope. Thus, either a single-use or a reusable medical device can be used with the system 104. The video processor adapter device 132 can be configured to allow for a practitioner to switch between a single-use and a reusable medical device. The switch can be achieved without changing components of the system 104. A single-use medical device can use a first type of image capture device, such as a complementary metal -oxide- semiconductor sensor based image capture device while a reusable medical device can a different type of image capture device, such as Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) sensor. The different type of image capture devices will produce different electrical signals, such as different video signals.

[0036] Now making reference to Figure 3, the video processor adapter device 132 is shown in greater detail. The video processor adapter device 132 can facilitate interfacing a reusable medical device and a single-use medical device with the video processing unit 204 of the control unit 120. The video processor adapter device 132can include input ports 300 and 302, which can facilitate electrically coupling medical devices to the endoscope system 104.

[0037] The input port 300 can electrically couple with an output port of the singleuse medical device 100 A. The input port 302 can electrically couple with an output port of the reusable medical device 100B. The input port 300 can include a configuration that is different from a configuration of the input port 302. The input port 300 can include a port 304 with a rectilinear configuration as shown with reference to Figure 3. The input port 300 can include electrical pin connector ports 306 where the port 304 and the pin connector ports 306 are within a housing 305.

[0038] The single-use medical device 100 A can include an output port 400 including a connector 402 and electrical pins 404, as shown with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The port 304 can be configured to receive the connector 402. In addition, the electrical pin connector ports 306 can be configured to receive the electrical pins 404. The port 304 and the connector ports 306 can allow the input port 300 to function as a single-use medical device connector. By virtue of coupling with the connector 402 and the electrical pins 404, the input port 300 can electrically couple with the output port 400 of the single-use medical device 100 A.

[0039] The input port 302 can include a port 308 and a port 310. The ports 308 and 310 can be configured to electrically couple with an output port 700 of a connector 600 of the reusable medical device 100B, as shown with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The connector 600 can be a card edge connector that includes a row of metal contacts 702. The port 310 can be configured to receive the output port 700. Furthermore, the port 308 can be configured to receive the metal contacts 702. The input port 300 can be considered a card edge connector since the port 308 can receive the output port 700 of the connector 600 and the port 310 can receive the metal contacts 702 of the connector 600. By virtue of coupling with the output port 700 and the metal contacts 702, the input port 302 can electrically couple with the output port 700 of the reusable medical device 100B. As may be seen with reference to Figure 3, the input port 300 can include a configuration that is different from a configuration of the input port 302.

[0040] While the input ports 300 and 302 are described as including the configurations shown with reference to Figure 3, the configurations are not restricted to those as shown and described. In particular, the input ports 300 and 302 can includeconfigurations that accept different single-use and reusable medical devices that include output ports with configurations different than those discussed herein. To further illustrate, a reusable medical device could include an outport port 800 as shown with reference to Figure 8. The output port 800 can include a radial pin 802 along with an interface 804. The input port 302 can be configured to receive the output port 800 along with the radial pin 802 and the interface 804 in order to facilitate electrical coupling with the output port 800. In examples, the output port for a reusable medical device is more durable than an output port for a single-use medical device since the reusable medical device output port is repeatedly used while an output port for a singleuse medical device is used once or a fewer number of times than the reusable medical device output port.

[0041] The control unit 120 can include an input port 312, which can be a preexisting input port and configured to provide an electrical connection between a singleuse medical device and the video processing unit 204. , the input port 312 can be a preexisting input port configured to provide an electrical connection between a reusable medical device and the video processing unit 204. Here, the video processor adapter device 132 can include a fixed connector 314 which can connect the video processor adapter device 132 to the control unit 120. , the fixed connector 314 can couple an output port 316 of the video processor adapter device 132 with the input port 312. Thus, the fixed connector 314 can facilitate electrical connection between the video processor adapter device 132 and the control unit 120 using an existing input port disposed at the control unit 120. The fixed connector 314 can be any type of connector that can facilitate electrical connection between the video processor adapter device 132 and the control unit 120. The electrical signals that can be transferred via the electrical connection established by the fixed connector 314 can be video signals, audio signals, and any other type of signal. Examples of the fixed connector 314 can include a pigtail connector. As used herein, electrical signals can refer to any type of signal that can be transmitted electronically, which can include video signals and audio signals. Moreover, reference to converting an electronic signal to another electronic signal can include converting a video signal or an audio signal from a first type to a second type of video signal or audio signal.

[0042] The video processor adapter device 132 can also include a switch 318 that can be used to switch the video processor adapter device 132 from receiving signals, such as video signals, between the input port 300 and the input port 302. Thus, if a practitioner desires to use a single-use medical device, the practitioner can engage the switch 318 to ensure that the video processor adapter device 132 receives video signals from the single-use medical device via the input port 300. At a later time, a different practitioner may desire to use a reusable medical device. , the practitioner can engage the switch 318 to ensure that the video processor adapter device 132 receives video signals from the reusable medical device via the input port 302. The switch 318 can include a slider 320 to effectuate switching. , other types of switches can be used, such as a button or the like.

[0043] Now making reference to Figure 9, a schematic depiction of the video processor adapter device 132 is shown. The video processor adapter device 132 can include single use electronics 900 that can convert electrical signals, which can include video signals and audio signals, received from a single-use medical device electronically coupled at the input port 300. The single-use electronics 900 can be signal conditioning circuitry and can be electrically coupled to the input port 300. The video processing unit 204 may be capable of processing electrical signals, such as video signals and audio signals, received from a reusable medical device, if electrical signals received from a single-use medical device are passed directly to the video processing unit 204, the video processing unit 204 may not be able to process the electrical signals for display at the output unit 110. if the single-use medical device includes a camera where video signals of a target site are provided directly to the video processing unit 204, the video processing unit 204 will not be able to process the video signals and display the target site at the output unit 110.

[0044] The single use electronics 900 can perform signal conditioning on electrical signals received from a single-use medical device such that the video processing unit 204 can process signals received from the single-use medical device. Thus the signal output from the single use electronics 900 can be in a format that is the same as a format of a signal received from a reusable medical device. The single use electronics 900 can include componentry to convert the electrical signals received from a signal-use medical device to electrical signals that can be processed by the video processing unit 204.

[0045] The single use electronics 900 can include an electronic board including a field programmable gate? array (FPGA) 1000 that can take signals captured by a complementary metal-oxide -semiconductor video capture device and convert the signals into signals that can be processed by the video processing unit 204, as shown with reference to Figure 10. The single-use electronics 900 can also include a voltage converter 1002 that can convert voltage levels between a single-use medical device and the video processing unit 204. Moreover, the single-use electronics 900 can include a clock generator 1004 that can provide clock signals for a single-use medical device. In particular, the clock generator 1004 can convert the clock signals associated with electrical signals received from a single-use medical device to clock signals that are associated with electrical signals from a reusable medical device. The single-use electronics 900 can also include LED drivers 1006 that can control illumination in the single-use medical device. The single use electronics 900 can also include a bridge chip that includes Analog to Digital converters.

[0046] The video processor adapter device 132 can also include an electrical switch 902 that can switch between receiving signals from a single-use medical device and a reusable medical device. The electrical switch 902 can function to provide electrical signals to an output port 903 that is electrically coupled with the electrical switch 902. The output port 903 can electrically couple with the video processing unit 204. In particular, the output port 902 can electrically couple with an input port 903 of the video processing unit 204 via a connector 905 and the fixed connector 314, as shown with reference to Figure 9 at connections 907 and 909.

[0047] The electrical switch 902 can be directly coupled with the input port 302 as shown with electrical connections 904 and 906. By virtue of being directly coupled with the electrical switch 902, the input port 302 can function as a pass-through connection for electrical signals received from a reusable medical device. More specifically, the electrical switch 902 couples with the video processing unit 204 via the output port 316, the fixed connector 314, the connector 905, and the input port 903. Thus, the input port 302 can function as a pass-through by utilizing the electrical connections to the video processing unit 204 of the electrical switch 902.

[0048] Moreover, the electrical switch 902 can be coupled with the input port 300 via the single use electronics 900 as shown with electrical connections 908 and 910. In alternative examples, the electrical switch 902 can directly couple with the input port 300 in a manner similar to how the electrical switch 902 directly couples with the input port 302 via the electrical connections 904 and 906.

[0049] The electrical switch 902 can function to automatically switch between the input port 300 and the input port 302 based on a signal received at the electrical switch 902. If the electrical switch 902 senses an electrical signal, such as a video signal, from the input port 300, the electrical switch 902 will automatically switch to receiving a conditioned video signal from the single use electronics 900. The conditioned signal from the single use electronics 900 can mimic the signal from the reusable medical device. Furthermore, if the electrical switch 902 senses an electrical signal, such as a video signal, from the input port 302, the electrical switch 902 will automatically switch to receiving a video signal from the input port 302.

[0050] The electrical switch 902 can also be coupled with the switch 318, as shown with a connection 912. When a practitioner decides to implement a single-use medical device, the practitioner can engage the switch 318, which can signal the electrical switch 902 to begin receiving electrical signals from the input port 300 and the single use electronics 900. When a practitioner decides to implement a reusable medical device, the practitioner can engage the switch 318, which can signal the electrical switch 902 to begin receiving electrical signals from the input port 302.

[0051] Instead of the switch 318, the video processor adapter device 132 can include a door 1100 as shown with reference to Figure 11. The door can slide along a direction X with a slider 1102 to cover the input port 300 as shown with reference to Figure 11. When a practitioner slides the door 1100 in this manner, this can cause the electrical switch 902 to begin receiving electrical signals from the input port that is not covered by the door 1100. In the example of Figure 11, by covering the input port 300, this can activate the electrical switch 902 to begin receiving electrical signals from the input port 302.

[0052] The door 1100 can also be slide along a direction Y in order to cover the input port 302. By covering the input port 302, this can activate the electrical switch 902 to begin receiving electrical signals from the input port 300. Thus, the electricalswitch 902 along with the output port 316 can send either a conditioned signal received from the single use electronics 900 or the input port 302 to the video processing unit 204.

[0053] As discussed herein, reference is made to a video processing unit being configured to process electrical signals received from a reusable medical device. In accordance with examples, the disclosure herein can be reversed, where a video processing unit is configured to process electrical signals from a single-use medical device and electrical signals received from a reusable medical device are conditioned for processing by a video processing unit. Thus, the single use electronics could reusable electronics including the same features and the same functionality as the single use electronics but instead of conditioning single-use medical device electrical signals, reusable medical device electrical signals can be conditioned in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0054] Having described various aspects and features of the inventive subject matter, the following numbered examples are provided as illustrative embodiments:

[0055] Example l is a video processor adapter device comprising: a first input port configured to: electrically couple with an output port of a single-use medical device; and receive a first video signal from the first input port; a second input port configured to: electrically with an output port of a reusable medical device; and receive a second video signal from the second input port, wherein the first input port can be implemented with a first configuration and the second input port can be implemented with a second configuration that is different from the first configuration; signal conditioning circuitry electrically coupled to the first input port, the signal conditioning circuitry configured to convert the first video signal from the single-use medical device to a third video signal; an electrical switch coupled with the first input port and the second input port, the electrical switch configured to receive signals from the first input port and the second input port; and an outport port coupled with the electrical switch, the output port configured to: electrically couple with a video processing unit; and send one of the second video signal or the third video signal to the video processing unit.

[0056] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 includes, wherein the first configuration is a first pin configuration and the second configuration is a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration.

[0057] In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1-2 includes, wherein the first video signal corresponds to a signal from a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor sensor.

[0058] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 includes, wherein the signal conditioning circuitry comprises: a field-programmable gate array configured to convert the first video signal to the second video signal; a voltage converter configured to convert voltage levels between the single-use medical device and the existing video processor unit; a clock generator configured to provide clock signals for the single-use medical device; and LED drivers for controlling illumination in the single-use medical device.

[0059] In Example 5, the subject matter of Examples 1-4 includes, wherein the electrical switch is configured to sense electrical signals from the first input port and the second input port and automatically select which of the first video signal and the second video signal to provide to the output interface.

[0060] In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 1-5 includes, wherein the electrical switch comprises a manual switch accessible from an exterior of the video processor adapter system and configured to allow user selection between the first input port and the second input port.

[0061] In Example 7, the subject matter of Examples 1-6 includes, wherein: the first input port comprises a single-use medical device connector with a housing with electrical pins configured for single-use applications; and the second input port comprises a card edge connector configured to mate with reusable medical devices.

[0062] In Example 8, the subject matter of Examples 1-7 includes, a slider configured to allow a user to select between the first input port and the second input port.

[0063] In Example 9, the subject matter of Examples 1-8 includes, wherein the second input port provides a pass-through connection for electrical signals from the reusable medical device without signal conditioning.

[0064] Example 10 is a video processor adapter device comprising: a first input port configured to: electrically couple with an output port of a single-use medical device; and receive a first video signal from the first input port; a second input port configured to: electrically with an output port of a reusable medical device; and receivea second video signal from the second input port, wherein: the first input port can be implemented with a first configuration and the second input port can be implemented with a second configuration that is different from the first configuration; and the first configuration is a first pin configuration and the second configuration is a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration; signal conditioning circuitry electrically coupled to the first input port, the signal conditioning circuitry configured to convert the first video signal from the single-use medical device to a third video signal; an electrical switch coupled with the first input port and the second input port, the electrical switch configured to receive signals from the first input port and the second input port; and an outport port coupled with the electrical switch, the output port configured to: electrically couple with a video processing unit; and send one of the second video signal or the third video signal to the video processing unit.

[0065] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 includes, wherein the second input port provides a pass-through connection for electrical signals from the reusable medical device without signal conditioning.

[0066] In Example 12, the subject matter of Examples 10-11 includes, wherein the signal conditioning circuitry comprises: a field-programmable gate array configured to convert the first video signal to the second video signal; a voltage converter configured to convert voltage levels between the single-use medical device and the existing video processor unit; a clock generator configured to provide clock signals for the single-use medical device; and LED drivers for controlling illumination in the single-use medical device.

[0067] In Example 13, the subject matter of Examples 10-12 includes, wherein the electrical switch is configured to sense electrical signals from the first input port and the second input port and automatically select which of the first video signal and the second video signal to provide to the output interface.

[0068] In Example 14, the subject matter of Examples 10-13 includes, wherein the electrical switch comprises a manual switch accessible from an exterior of the video processor adapter system and configured to allow user selection between the first input port and the second input port.

[0069] In Example 15, the subject matter of Examples 10-14 includes, wherein: the first input port comprises a single-use medical device connector with a housing withelectrical pins configured for single-use applications; and the second input port comprises a card edge connector configured to mate with reusable medical devices.

[0070] Example 16 is a video processor adapter device comprising: a first input port configured to: electrically couple with an output port of a single-use medical device; and receive a first video signal from the first input port; a second input port configured to: electrically with an output port of a reusable medical device; and receive a second video signal from the second input port, wherein: the first input port can be implemented with a first configuration and the second input port can be implemented with a second configuration that is different from the first configuration; the first configuration is a first pin configuration and the second configuration is a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration; and the second input port provides a pass-through connection for electrical signals from the reusable medical device without signal conditioning signal conditioning circuitry electrically coupled to the first input port, the signal conditioning circuitry configured to convert the first video signal from the single-use medical device to a third video signal; an electrical switch coupled with the first input port and the second input port, the electrical switch configured to receive signals from the first input port and the second input port; and an outport port coupled with the electrical switch, the output port configured to: electrically couple with a video processing unit; and send one of the second video signal or the third video signal to the video processing unit.

[0071] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 includes, wherein the signal conditioning circuitry comprises: a field-programmable gate array configured to convert the first video signal to the second video signal; a voltage converter configured to convert voltage levels between the single-use medical device and the existing video processor unit; a clock generator configured to provide clock signals for the single-use medical device; and LED drivers for controlling illumination in the single-use medical device.

[0072] In Example 18, the subject matter of Examples 16-17 includes, wherein the electrical switch is configured to sense electrical signals from the first input port and the second input port and automatically select which of the first video signal and the second video signal to provide to the output interface.

[0073] In Example 19, the subject matter of Examples 16-18 includes, wherein the electrical switch comprises a manual switch accessible from an exterior of the video processor adapter system and configured to allow user selection between the first input port and the second input port.

[0074] In Example 20, the subject matter of Examples 16-19 includes, wherein: the first input port comprises a single-use medical device connector with a housing with electrical pins configured for single-use applications; and the second input port comprises a card edge connector configured to mate with reusable medical devices.

[0075] Example 21 is an apparatus comprising means to implement of any of Examples 1-20.

[0076] Example 22 is a system to implement of any of Examples 1-20.

[0077] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific examples in which the invention can be practiced. These examples are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventor also contemplates examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventor also contemplates examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0078] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in thefollowing claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0079] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Other examples can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features can be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter can lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed example. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or examples, with each claim standing on its own as a separate example, and it is contemplated that such examples can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A video processor adapter device comprising: a first input port configured to: electrically couple with an output port of a single-use medical device; and receive a first video signal from the first input port; a second input port configured to: electrically couple with an output port of a reusable medical device; and receive a second video signal from the second input port, wherein the first signal conditioning circuitry electrically coupled to the first input port, the signal conditioning circuitry configured to convert the first video signal from the single-use medical device to a third video signal; an outport port configured to: electrically couple with a video processing unit; and permit communication of one or more of the second video signal or the third video signal to the video processing unit.

2. The video processor adapter device of claim 1, wherein the first input port has a first configuration and the second input port has a second configuration that is different from the first configuration where the first configuration is a first pin configuration and the second configuration is a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration.

3. The video processor adapter device of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first video signal corresponds to a signal from an endoscope image sensor.

4. The video processor adapter device of claims 1-3, wherein the signal conditioning circuitry comprises: a field-programmable gate array configured to convert the first video signal to the third video signal;a voltage converter configured to convert voltage levels between the single-use medical device and the video processor unit; a clock generator configured to provide clock signals for the single-use medical device; andLED drivers for providing illumination control signals to the single-use medical device.

5. The video processor adapter device of claims 1-4, the video processor adapter device further comprising an electrical switch coupled with the first input port and the second input port, the electrical switch configured to receive signals from the first input port and the second input port, wherein the electrical switch is configured to sense electrical signals from the first input port and the second input port and automatically select one or more of the first video signal or the second video signal to provide to the output interface.

6. The video processor adapter device of claim 5, wherein the electrical switch comprises a manual switch accessible from an exterior of the video processor adapter system and configured to allow user selection between the first input port and the second input port.

7. The video processor adapter device of claims 1-6, wherein: the first input port comprises a single-use medical device connector with a housing with electrical pins configured for single-use applications; and the second input port comprises a card edge connector configured to mate with reusable medical devices.

8. The video processor adapter device of claims 1-7, further comprising a slider configured to allow a user to select between the first input port and the second input port.

9. The video processor adapter device of claims 1-8, comprising a pass-through connection path for electrical signals from the reusable medical device to the video processing unit.

10. The video processor adapter device of claim 1, wherein the output port is configured to send one of the second video signal or the third video signal to the video processing unit.

11. The video processor adapter device of claim 10, wherein: the first input port can be implemented with a first configuration; the second input port can be implemented with a second configuration that is different from the first configuration; the first configuration is a first pin configuration; the second configuration is a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration; and the second input port provides a pass-through connection for electrical signals from the reusable medical device without signal conditioning.

12. The video processor adapter device of claims 10 or 11, wherein the signal conditioning circuitry comprises: a field-programmable gate array configured to convert the first video signal to the second video signal; a voltage converter configured to convert voltage levels between the single-use medical device and the existing video processor unit; a clock generator configured to provide clock signals for the single-use medical device; andLED drivers for controlling illumination in the single-use medical device.

13. The video processor adapter device of claims 10-12, wherein the electrical switch is configured to sense electrical signals from the first input port and the second input port and automatically select which of the first video signal and the second video signal to provide to the output interface.

14. The video processor adapter device of claims 10-13, the video processor adapter device further comprising the first configuration is a first pin configuration and the second configuration is a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration, wherein the electrical switch comprises a manual switch accessible from an exterior of the video processor adapter system and configured to allow user selection between the first input port and the second input port.

15. The video processor adapter device of claims 10-14, wherein: the first input port comprises a single-use medical device connector with a housing with electrical pins configured for single-use applications; and the second input port comprises a card edge connector configured to mate with reusable medical devices, wherein the single-use medical device implements an image device that is different from an image capture device implemented by the reusable medical device.

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