Medical Camera Interface With Optical Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical camera systems face challenges in maintaining effective communication and power transfer across a patient isolation barrier, complicating the circuitry and increasing costs, especially when rotating instruments during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical camera system with a detachable two-part design, featuring a distal portion with an optical modulator and power receiving element, and a proximal portion with an optical receiver and power transmitting element, allowing for wireless power transfer and optical data communication across the isolation barrier, enabling independent rotation of the distal portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical signal paths are used to transmit data and power across the isolation barrier, then reliable power transfer and data communication are achieved, but the circuitry complexity increases and costs increase due to the need for electrical isolation barrier components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission across the isolation barrier. Optical fibers carry data signals from the camera head to the CCU, eliminating the need for electrical isolation components while maintaining reliable communication. Power is transferred through the cable without requiring complex isolation circuitry at the CCU end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium to transfer data signals across the isolation barrier. The optical fibers act as a mediator that converts electrical signals to optical signals at the camera head and converts them back to electrical signals at the CCU, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections and complex isolation circuitry.
2Ease of repair
If the distal portion is made detachable from the proximal portion, then ease of repair and sterilization are improved, but the reliability of connection and data transfer may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the endoscope into separable components: a detachable camera head (distal portion) and a cable assembly (proximal portion). This segmentation allows the camera head to be easily removed for sterilization or replacement while the cable can be reused, improving maintenance efficiency without compromising overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a connector as an intermediary element that reliably joins the detachable camera head to the cable assembly. The connector includes alignment features and securing mechanisms that ensure stable electrical and optical connections during detachment and reattachment operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the circuitry by eliminating the need for an electrical isolation barrier in the control unit, reduces system costs, and allows for seamless rotation of the distal portion during medical procedures while maintaining data and power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical modulator arranged within the distal portion and coupled to the image sensor and adapted for transmitting the image data to the proximal portion
Implementation Method 2
a proximal interface including a first optical receiver arranged to receive the optically modulated image data
Implementation Method 3
a power transmitting element for wirelessly transmitting the electrical power when the first power transfer element is placed within a near-field communication distance or power coupling distance from the first receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A medical camera system includes a video medical scope defining an enclosed space within a distal portion and a proximal portion that a user can attach and detach to each other. The two portions both have an interface for coupling to each other allowing communications across a patient isolation barrier. Power transfer elements provide for power transfer across the patient isolation barrier. The communication and power transfer may allow rotation of the distal portion with respect to the proximal portion while in use.