Electronic endoscope system with self-test and self-calibration apparatus
By replacing disposable endoscopes with a self-testing and self-calibrating device for debugging and detecting anomalies in electronic endoscope systems, the complexity and instability of electronic endoscope system installation are solved, achieving resource conservation and optimization of surgical time.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI ANQING MEDICAL INSTR
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing electronic endoscope systems are complex and unstable during installation and debugging, making it difficult for first-time users to install them correctly. This leads to waste of disposable electronic endoscopes and surgical delays, and the lack of self-testing and self-calibration devices makes it impossible to determine the source of the problem.
Design an electronic endoscope system with a self-testing and self-calibrating device, including an image processor, a display, and a self-testing and self-calibrating device. The self-testing and self-calibrating device includes a housing, a circuit board, a plug, an image sensing module, and an indicator light. It is used to replace a disposable endoscope for debugging and displays images through the image processor and the display to determine system abnormalities.
The self-testing and self-calibrating device saves on the number of disposable electronic endoscopes used, reduces debugging time, ensures the timeliness of surgery, detects abnormalities in a timely manner, and saves resources.
Smart Images
Figure CN2025110852_21052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
An electronic endoscope system with a self-testing and self-calibration device Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic endoscope technology, and more particularly to an electronic endoscope system with a self-testing and self-calibrating device. Background Technology
[0002] Endoscopes have evolved from the initial optical and electronic endoscopes to the safer and more convenient disposable electronic endoscopes of today. An electronic endoscope system typically includes an image processor, a monitor, a disposable electronic endoscope, and other supporting surgical equipment. Because disposable electronic endoscopes are sterile packaged products, once the sterile packaging is opened, the endoscope cannot be reused and can become contaminated due to prolonged exposure to the environment. Therefore, in current technology, during the installation or surgical use of an electronic endoscope system, the image processor, monitor, and other supporting surgical equipment are generally installed and tested first. Only then is the sterile packaging of the disposable electronic endoscope opened, and the endoscope connected to the image processor for final installation, testing, and confirmation. However, due to the relative complexity of electronic endoscope systems, first-time users often fail to carefully read the user manual, leading to various unnecessary misoperations and abnormalities. In addition, the hardware conditions of different hospitals vary, such as different connection lines and the need to connect to various image and text management systems, which increases the difficulty of system installation and adjustment and often causes instability. This can result in the waste of disposable electronic endoscopes, or even delay surgery and cause personal injury.
[0003] To address installation and debugging issues, equipment engineers from manufacturers typically bring a calibration endoscope as an aid when assisting with medical installations. However, this only solves the initial installation problems and does not address the recalibration issues that hospitals may encounter during subsequent use or other installation changes. For example, if a disposable electronic endoscope malfunctions during use, and the hospital lacks readily available self-testing and calibration devices, it cannot determine whether the problem originates with the disposable endoscope or another piece of equipment.
[0004] However, how to design a self-testing and self-calibrating device for the installation and commissioning of electronic endoscope systems has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an electronic endoscope system with a self-testing and self-calibrating device, comprising an image processor, a display, and a self-testing and self-calibrating device. The image processor is equipped with an endoscope socket. The self-testing and self-calibrating device includes a housing, a circuit board, a plug, and an image sensing module. The circuit board is disposed within the housing. The plug is disposed on the outside of the housing, electrically connected to the circuit board, and detachably connected to the endoscope socket on the image processor. The image sensing module is electrically connected to the circuit board and is used to acquire image information. The image processor processes the image information acquired by the image sensing module and displays it on the display.
[0006] Optionally, the self-testing and self-calibrating device further includes a lighting source, which is connected to the circuit board.
[0007] Optionally, the image sensing module includes an image sensor.
[0008] Optionally, the image sensing module further includes an imaging optical system, with the image sensor located at the imaging surface of the imaging optical system.
[0009] Optionally, the self-testing and self-calibrating device further includes an indicator light, which is electrically connected to the circuit board.
[0010] Optionally, the housing and the image processor are detachably connected via a magnetic structure.
[0011] Optionally, the magnetic structure includes a magnet fixed inside the housing, and the housing is attached to the image processor by the magnet.
[0012] Optionally, the magnetic attraction structure includes a first magnetic attraction component and a second magnetic attraction component capable of magnetic attraction, wherein the first magnetic attraction component is disposed inside the housing and the second magnetic attraction component is disposed on the side wall of the image processor.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0014] Since disposable electronic endoscopes are sterile packaged products, once the sterile packaging is opened, the disposable electronic endoscopes cannot be reused and will become contaminated due to prolonged exposure to the natural environment. Therefore, before surgery, this invention uses a self-testing and self-calibrating device instead of a disposable endoscope, installed on the image processor to debug the endoscope system. After debugging, the self-testing and self-calibrating device is removed, and then the disposable electronic endoscope is installed. This saves disposable electronic endoscopes and avoids unnecessary waste; it also greatly saves debugging time, thus ensuring the timeliness of the surgery.
[0015] Furthermore, the self-testing and self-calibrating device provided by this invention is not only used for the installation and debugging of disposable electronic endoscopes before surgery, but also for subsequent use or re-calibration during other installation changes. For example, if any abnormality occurs during the use of a disposable electronic endoscope, it is not necessary to immediately replace it with a new disposable electronic endoscope. The self-testing and self-calibrating device can be used to connect the disposable electronic endoscope to the image processor for testing. If an image is displayed on the monitor, it indicates that the disposable electronic endoscope is abnormal and needs to be replaced promptly. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs during the use of a disposable electronic endoscope, the self-testing and self-calibrating device can promptly determine the location of the abnormality, which not only saves the number of disposable electronic endoscopes used and avoids unnecessary waste, but also greatly saves debugging time, thereby ensuring the timeliness of the surgery. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic endoscope system with a self-testing and self-calibration device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-testing and self-calibrating device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image processor provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a self-testing and self-calibrating device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-testing and self-calibrating device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, which is mounted on an image processor via a magnetic attraction structure.
[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1--Display; 2--Connecting cable; 3--Image processor; 301--Endoscope socket; 4--Self-test and self-calibration device; 401--Housing housing; 40101--Front housing; 40102--Rear housing; 402--Plug; 403--Circuit board; 404--Image sensor module; 405--Illumination source; 406--Indicator light; 407--First magnetic chuck; 408--Adhesive. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0024] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus. The terms "above" and "over," and any variations thereof, are intended to describe positional relationships and do not imply direct contact between the described objects.
[0025] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5. This invention provides an electronic endoscope system with a self-testing and self-calibrating device. The electronic endoscope system generally includes an image processor 3, a display 1, and other supporting surgical equipment. The image processor 3 and the display 1 can be two independent separate structures, electrically connected via a connecting cable 2. Alternatively, the image processor and display can be an integrated unit, meaning they are integrated into one machine. This invention does not impose specific limitations on this.
[0026] The image processor 3 is equipped with an endoscope socket 301, which is used to connect a disposable electronic endoscope. The self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 provided by the present invention is used to replace the disposable endoscope in the endoscope socket 301 before operation for debugging the endoscope system. After debugging, the self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 is unplugged and then the disposable electronic endoscope is installed.
[0027] Since disposable electronic endoscopes are sterile packaged products, once the sterile packaging is opened, the disposable electronic endoscopes cannot be reused and will become contaminated due to prolonged exposure to the natural environment. Therefore, before surgery, this invention uses a self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 instead of a disposable endoscope, installed on the image processor 3 to debug the endoscope system. After debugging, the self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 is removed, and then the disposable electronic endoscope is installed. This saves disposable electronic endoscopes and avoids unnecessary waste; it also greatly saves debugging time, thus ensuring the timeliness of the surgery.
[0028] Specifically, referring to Figure 4, the self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 includes a housing 401, a circuit board 403, a plug 402, and an image sensing module 404. The circuit board 403 is disposed inside the housing 401. The plug 402 is disposed on the outside of the housing 401 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 403 for plugging and unplugging into the endoscope socket 301 on the image processor 3. This invention does not limit the specific structure of the endoscope socket 301 on the image processor 3; therefore, the plug 402 can be designed according to the actual structure of the endoscope socket 301, and this invention does not impose specific limitations on this.
[0029] As one embodiment, to facilitate the installation of structural components inside the housing 401, the housing 401 includes a front housing 40101 and a rear housing 40102, which are assembled together to form a receiving space for the circuit board 403. The plug 402 is disposed on the outside of the front housing 40101.
[0030] The image sensing module 404 is electrically connected to the circuit board 403 and is used to acquire image information. Since the image sensing module 404 represents a relatively mature technology in the optoelectronic field, this invention does not limit the specific structure of the image sensor module.
[0031] As one embodiment, the image sensing module 404 includes an image sensor mounted on the circuit board 403 for acquiring image information of the exterior of the housing 401. Furthermore, the image sensing module 404 also includes an imaging optical system, with the image sensor located at the imaging plane of the imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes an objective lens facing outwards from the housing 401. Therefore, the image sensing module 404 acquires image information from the observation position, transmits it to the image processor 3 for processing to obtain a video image signal, and displays it on the display 1.
[0032] Furthermore, the self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 also includes an illumination device 405, which is used to illuminate the exterior of the housing 401.
[0033] When the self-test and self-calibration device 4 is connected to the image processor 3, the indicator light 406 can be used to check whether the self-test and self-calibration device 4 is working properly. Specifically, the self-test and self-calibration device 4 also includes an indicator light 406, which is electrically connected to the circuit board 403.
[0034] Working principle of self-testing and self-calibration device 4:
[0035] Insert the plug 402 of the self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 into the endoscope socket 301 of the image processor 3. When the indicator light 406 of the self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 lights up, and the image information acquired by the image sensing module 404 is processed by the image processor 3 and displayed on the monitor 1, it indicates that the electronic endoscope system is normal. If no image is displayed on the monitor 1, it indicates that the electronic endoscope system is abnormal and needs to be adjusted until an image is displayed on the monitor 1. Then unplug the self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 from the image processor 3, and then plug the disposable electronic endoscope into the image processor 3.
[0036] The self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 provided by this invention is not only used for the installation and debugging of disposable electronic endoscopes before surgery, but also for subsequent use or re-calibration during other installation changes. For example, if any abnormality occurs during the use of a disposable electronic endoscope, it is not necessary to immediately replace it with a new disposable electronic endoscope. The self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 can be used to connect the disposable electronic endoscope to the image processor 3 for testing. If an image is displayed on the display 1, it indicates that the disposable electronic endoscope is abnormal and needs to be replaced in time. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs during the use of a disposable electronic endoscope, the self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 can promptly determine the location of the abnormality, which not only saves the number of disposable electronic endoscopes used and avoids unnecessary waste, but also greatly saves debugging time, thereby ensuring the timeliness of the surgery.
[0037] Please refer to Figure 5. After the self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 completes its test and is removed from the image processor 3, it is mechanically connected to the image processor 3 via a magnetic structure to prevent loss. To prevent the self-testing and self-calibrating device 4 from interfering with the use of other devices, it can be mechanically connected to the side wall of the image processor 3 via a magnetic structure.
[0038] As one embodiment, the magnetic structure includes a magnet 407, which is located inside the housing 401 and fixed to the rear housing 40102 by adhesive 408. The rear housing 40102 is magnetically attached to the side wall of the image processor 3.
[0039] In another embodiment, the magnetic attraction structure includes a first magnetic attraction component and a second magnetic attraction component capable of magnetic attraction. The first magnetic attraction component is disposed inside the housing 401, and the second magnetic attraction component is disposed on the side wall of the image processor 3.
[0040] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.
Claims
1. An electronic endoscope system with self-checking and self-calibration device, characterized by, The device includes an image processor, a display, and a self-testing and self-calibrating device. The image processor has an endoscope socket. The self-testing and self-calibrating device includes a housing, a circuit board, a plug, and an image sensing module. The circuit board is disposed inside the housing. The plug is disposed outside the housing and is electrically connected to the circuit board and is pluggably connected to the endoscope socket on the image processor. The image sensing module is electrically connected to the circuit board and is used to acquire image information. The image processor processes the image information acquired by the image sensing module and displays it on the display.
2. The self-checking, self-correcting device of claim 1, wherein, The self-testing and self-calibrating device also includes a lighting source, which is connected to the circuit board.
3. The self-checking, self-correcting device of claim 1, wherein, The image sensing module includes an image sensor.
4. The self-checking, self-correcting device of claim 3, wherein, The image sensing module further includes an imaging optical system, and the image sensor is located at the imaging surface of the imaging optical system.
5. The self-checking, self-correcting device of claim 1, wherein, It also includes indicator lights, which are electrically connected to the circuit board.
6. The self-checking, self-correcting device of claim 1, wherein, The housing and the image processor are detachably connected via a magnetic structure.
7. The self-checking, self-correcting device of claim 6, wherein, The magnetic structure includes a magnet, which is fixed inside the housing, and the housing is attached to the image processor by the magnet.
8. The self-checking, self-correcting device of claim 6, wherein, The magnetic attraction structure includes a first magnetic attraction component and a second magnetic attraction component capable of magnetic attraction. The first magnetic attraction component is disposed inside the housing, and the second magnetic attraction component is disposed on the side wall of the image processor.