FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an imaging device, and more
particularly to an endoscopic imaging device with LED light source and a wireless
camera system.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Minimally invasive procedures or surgeries (MIP or MIS), including endoscopic,
endoscopically-assisted, or laparoscopically-assisted procedures, are known and
offer benefits to a patient for example, limited incisional trauma, decreased pain,
limited scars, decreased hospitalization, and earlier return to a normal functional
state. To perform such procedures, endoscopic imaging systems are employed. A
typical endoscopic imaging system includes a monitor, a light source, a power
source, a video processing unit, and an endoscope. Conventionally, the various
units are permanently or semi-permanently installed within a cabinet, which
occupies a portion of the operating room. In addition, the shifting and relocation
of the cabinet becomes a difficult task because of the size and weight.
Several techniques and devices have been employed to make the endoscopic
imaging system compact and portable. One of such systems, specific to
evaluation of swallowing dysfunction, includes a housing having a plurality of
compartments to store the different units such as the light source, endoscopic
camera, video recording device, video monitor, and power supply. Once the
various units are stored in the housing, the housing can be manually transferred
to a patient's location. However, the storing and setting up of the devices may
be time consuming and involve special skills. Another known system attempted
to reduce the size by splitting the electronic circuit boards and accommodating
them along with the illumination system in the same housing. In addition, the
thickness of the casing walls is reduced to achieve lightweight and to ensure
protection of the electronic assembly from the external forces, a plurality of
damper members are provided. However, such splitted systems need additional
shielding for noise reduction and the maintenance may be more time consuming
and difficult because of increased number of components. Further, added
disadvantages exist with the light source of such systems which are bulky and
require cooling systems to maintain the temperature below a threshold. In
addition, most of the known systems use a Fiber Optic Cable that leads to loss of
light intensity.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a compact and portable
imaging system adaptable for endoscopic application, which eliminates the
disadvantage of the prior art.
Another object of the invention is to propose a compact and portable imaging
system adaptable for endoscopic application, which allows efficient handling by
an operator.
A still another object of the invention is to propose a compact and portable
imaging system adaptable for endoscopic application, which is easy and simple
to operate.
A further object of the invention is to propose a compact and portable imaging
system adaptable for endoscopic application, which is enabled to provide
accurate and clear images at a faster pace.
A still further object of the invention is to propose a compact and portable
imaging system adaptable for endoscopic application, which is economic and
cost-effective.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Accordingly there is provided a compact and portable imaging system adaptable
for endoscopic application, the system comprising an illumination assembly
housed in a base unit, the illumination assembly providing light for illuminating a
workspace to capture a video image; a camera module, enabled to sense the
video image and generate a video signal; and an electronic circuitry, comprising
a first electronic subassembly housed in the base unit; and a second electronic
subassembly housed in a remote unit.
In an advantageous embodiment, the illumination assembly comprises a light
source unit detachably attached to the base unit, a moving light source
adjustably coupled with a mounting socket which adjust the focal length, an
integral optic port with the socket, and a receptacle receiving connector for an
optical fibre. The illumination assembly is being powered by a power source
which is stacked along with the first electronic subassembly in the base unit. The
first electronic subassembly comprises a timer circuit and a power source,
wherein the second electronic subassembly comprises an image processing
circuit and a white balance circuit. The camera module including a remote unit is
accommodated in the camera handle. One connector each is provided between
the remote unit and the base unit for signal transmission and power transmission
respectively. The system may be provided with wireless communication means
for communication between the base unit and the remote unite. The Remote unit
is powered by a battery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates an endoscopic imaging system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of the imaging system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of the Light Source Module for
the imaging system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 4 is an exploded view of a battery-powered LED-based light source
illustrating the various components in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Although the present invention is described in conjunction with several
embodiments as depicted in the accompanying figures, a person skilled in the art
will easily recognize that numerous additional embodiments will be well within
the scope of the present invention, wherein the scope of the invention is defined
by the appended claims. Hence, the detailed description that follows is intended
merely to illustrate the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope
and spirit of the claimed invention in any way. In this regard, certain definitions
for the terms used in the disclosure are appropriate to ensure that the reader will
not think to limit the scope of these technical terminologies to the specified
preferred embodiments described in this detailed description. These definitions
are given by way of example only, without limitation.
The term "electronic component", "electronic sub-assembly", "electronic
assembly" and "electrically component" are intended to refer to any component
or device that operates using electricity. Moreover, the term component is meant
to encompass any device that is a single component device or a device that
combines a number of components together. In other words, it is intended that
the terms be defined as broadly as would be understood by those skilled in the
art. The use of the term "electronic" or "electrical" is not intended to be limiting
in any manner, unless so specified herein. Before delving into the specifics of the
present invention, a general overview is provided below.
The term "light source" as used herein refers to a light source producing light or
a light beam. The light source can be a cold light source, wherein, the light or
the light beam contains only a negligible amount of heat radiation, that is, only
very little radiation in the infrared range of the spectrum, if any. The light
sources may also be selected from other kinds of light sources, for example,
LED, solid state light source, a group of LEDs, and the like. Further, the light
source may include an integrated reflector for providing a focused beam of light.
With the definition of the scope of some of the critical terminologies, in order to
provide a more complete understanding of the present invention, a detailed
description of the various embodiments of the present invention in conjunction
with the illustrations, described herein below.
Referring firstly to Fig. 1, an endoscopic imaging system 100 is illustrated, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100
includes a light source module 110, an endoscope 120, a camera device 130, a
video processor 140, and an output module 150. The light source module 110 is
coupled to the endoscope 120. The endoscope 120 is coupled to the camera
device 130 by an optical coupler 160. The camera device 130 is connected to the
video processor 140 by a camera connector 170. The camera connector 170
transmits video signals from the camera device 130 to the video processor 140.
The video processor 140 is coupled to the output module 150 by output
connectors 180. The output module 150 includes a display 152 and a recording
device 154. In various embodiments of the present invention, the display 152
can be a television set, a medical grade monitor, an LCD screen, and like as
known to the person skilled in the art. The recording device 154 can be an
audio-video recorder, a hand held video capturing device, a VCR, and the like as
known to a person skilled in the art. The video processor 140 is coupled to the
display 152 by a first output connector 180a. In addition, the recording device
154 can also be connected to the video processor 140 by a second output
connector 180b.
The system 100 can be used for assisting minimally invasive procedures, wherein
the endoscope 120 is enabled to capture the video image from the site of
examination for display on the display 152. Although the present invention
describes the system 100 in conjunction with surgical applications, various other
possible use of the imaging system are known to those skilled in the art. For
example, such imaging systems have broad reaching application in the field of
computer inspection, customs inspection, plumbing, mining, automobile
mechanics, veterinary medicine, aviation, remote control devices, safety
equipment, monitoring devices, police investigations and in a variety of other
settings in which detailed inspection is desired. Further, the medical use includes
therapeutic and diagnostic medicine, inspection of body canals and openings,
surgical applications such as MIS, MAP, NOTES, Single Port laparoscopy (SPL)
and the like, ENT, GYN, arthroscopic, dental applications, phototherapy, and
others.
Referring now to Fig. 2, a functional block diagram of the system 100 is
provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
system 100 includes a light source module 110, an endoscope 120, a camera
device 13, a video processor 140 and an output module 150. The light source
module 110 is coupled to the endoscope 120. The endoscope 120 is coupled to
the camera device 130 by an optical coupler 16. The camera device 130 is
connected to the video processor 140 by a camera connector 170. The camera
connector 170 transmits video signals from the camera device 130 to the video
processor 140. The video processor 140 is coupled to the output module 150 by
output connectors 180.
As shown in Fig.3, the light source module 110 further includes a light source
210, a power source 220, a driver circuit 230 and an opto-mechanical coupler
240. The power source 220 provides power to the driver circuit 230; the driver
circuit 230 converts the power supplied by the power source 220 into a constant
current and voltage supply and provides constant current and voltage to the light
source 210. The light source 210 converts the electrical energy into light; the
light generated at the light source 210 is passed to the endoscope 120 through
the opto-mechanical coupler 240.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the light source 210 is a solid state
light source 210 such as Light emitting Diode (LED), Organic light emitting diode
(OLED), Polymer light emitting Diode (PLED), and the like. For example, the
light source 210 can be a High Flux Intensity White Light Emitting Diodes
(3/5/8/10/12 Watts or more with 3V or above) generating light with a Color
Temperature 4500 deg K to 10000 deg K & Color reproduction Index (CRI) value
of more than 70 that is required for real life color. In another embodiment of the
present invention, the light source 210 is a group of solid state light sources. For
example, the light source can be a group of LEDs with different light intensity. In
yet another embodiment, the light source 210 can be a group of LEDs with
different colors. For example Tri-color (Red, Green, and Blue) LEDs with
individual controls. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the light
source 210 can be a LED with a reflector to produce a parallel light beam. In
various other embodiments of the present invention, the light source 210 can be
a LED generating UV wavelengths, IR wavelengths, visible wavelengths, and a
group thereof.
The light source 210 is powered by the power source 220. In one embodiment of
the present invention, the power source 220 is a battery power source such as
Nickel Cadmium Battery, lithium-Ion battery, barium titanate battery, Fuel Cells,
Solar powered batteries ,and the like. In addition, the battery power source may
include a provision for recharging for example a USB charging port or a Standard
Power Port through a voltage adapter. Further, the battery power source may
also supply power to the camera device 130. In an embodiment of the present
invention, one common battery
pack is used as the power source for the light source 210, Camera device 130
and inbuilt processing circuits and the recording media. The power source 220
can be a pack of rechargeable battery in a compact casing. The power source
220 comprises an indicator showing the battery life and indicates when the
battery is in the charging mode. Further, the power source 220 is disposed as
close to the light source 210 and the camera device 130 to reduce wiring and
loss.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the power source 220 is an AC
power supply with an adapter which converts the AC supply to required power
for light source 210. A power cable connects the adapter circuit to the light
source 210.
The driver circuit 230 converts the power supplied by the power source 220 into
a constant current and voltage supply and provides a constant current and
voltage to the light source 210. In various embodiments of the present invention,
the driver circuit 230 can be a constant current circuit, a constant voltage circuit,
a boost circuit, and the like. The driver circuit 230 comprises a circuitry 230 for
driving the light source module 210 comprising a single or multiple light sources
such as LEDs, OLED's, PLED's, which adapts an analogue or a digital or both
methods for control and supply of power required to operate the module 110.
The circuit comprising feedback and control means for providing stable and
uniform lighting for operating the visualization system 110. The circuit further
comprises a variable means of changing the intensity of the light source/sources
210 through the use of analogue/digital means or using both means with an
interface having a display 152, push buttons, switches, rotary knobs, jog
dial/wheel, touch sensitive switches/rings/dials, magnetic or a combination of
these.
The circuit 230 performs the task of driving the light source 210 like LED, PLED,
OLED etc. for providing a constant voltage, current, power or constant switched
current, voltage or power. The power management is achieved by the known
buck or boost means or by both using the feedback means to provide a constant
and stable supply. At the same time, the varying of the intensity of the light
source 210 is provided by combination of analogue, digital and mechanical
means. The driver circuit 230 also provides safety features such as short circuit
protection, reverse polarity protection, thermal and electric shock protection. It
will have indicators for power on/off, life of light source, balance life of light
source, failure indicator, level of intensity etc.
The driver circuit 230 along with the light source 210, light guide/lens, including
a heat management device and an interface 152 forms the compact light source
module 110 for the endoscope 120.
The compact light source 110 is provided with a heat management device
consisting of an alloy which is light weighted and dissipates heat with/without
additional means like fan, pump etc.
The light source module 210 may comprises the following features:
A - a Light guide/focusing means which directs/focuses light into the endoscope
120, and comprises a light guide made of liquid, solid or both kind of optical
grade materials.
B - a Light source 210 comprising a single or multiple units providing adequate
light for the camera. The light source (LED, PLED, OLED etc) also have an optical
means to focus light.
C & D - a Heat Sink/heat management device comprising metal, ceramic or both
as a alloy to retain/dissipate heat generated. The device includes fan, fanless
sytem, air-pump, liquid, solid as a combination or individual unit to increase the
rate of dissipation of heat.
E - an Interface switches, buttons etc. for controlling the compact Light source
210 and also includes a feedback means for example, indicators, displays etc. for
diagnostic and/or providing information about the status of the system.
The light source 210 converts the electrical energy into light; the light generated
at the light source 210 is passed to the endoscope 120 through the opto-
mechanical coupler 240.
In light of the above description of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the endoscopic imaging
system 100 generates two essential flows. The first being the flow of light for
illuminating from the light source to the workspace to be visualized. The second
being the flow of the video signals from the workspace to the display. The
following paragraphs explain these flows and the associated system modules.
The power source 220 and the driver circuit 230 provide power to the light
source 210. The light source 210 converts the electrical energy into light; the
light generated at the light source 210 is passed to the endoscope 120 through
the opto-mechanical coupler 240. The light beam passes through the endoscope
120, and illuminates the workspace to be visualized.
Once the site is illuminated, the object reflects the light and the reflected light
passes through the objective lens of the endoscope 120 and further transmitted
to the camera device 13. The camera device 130 converts the reflected light to
electric signal. The electric signals are transmitted to the video processor 140
through the camera connector 170. The video processor 140 converts the
electric signals into video signals. Thereafter, the video signals are passed to the
output module 150 through the first and second connectors 180a and 180b. The
display 152 and the recording device 154 are used to view and/or record the
video images from the workspace.
The Solid state light source (210) is electro-mechanically connected with the
power source (220) including the driver circuit (230) in combination with an
intensity control module (250); or, mechanically connected to an endoscope light
input end with an opto-mechanical/mechanical coupler (240) and a cooling
module (260) or, the light source (210) is directly or indirectly coupled with the
intensity control module (250).
The conducting surface of the cooling module (260) is thermally coupled with the
heat producing surface of the Solid state Light source (210). The heat is
conducted by the thermally conductive surface of the cooling module (260) and
then the concentrated heat is first distributed across the surface area of the
module (260) through conduction. A stream of circulating air then takes away
the heat from the cooling module (260) which alternately reduce the thermal
junction temperature of the module (260) and the light source (210). This helps
to increase the life of the light source (210) and the associated electronic
components. The circulation of air can be achieved by many ways for example,
by flowing relatively cold air through the thermally conducting surface of the
cooling module (260) or directly onto the hot spot at the junction by means of an
air carrying conduit and expelling the hot air out to the atmosphere; or by
creating a high frequency turbulence in the air which takes away the heat from
the hot surface of the cooling module (260) to the atmosphere; or, by directing
the heat through a flexible conductor to a remote and safe location; or, by
adding a thermo electric cooling module which will cool the hot junction; or by
converting the heat into electricity; or by a phase change material which absorbs
the heat and changes its phase; or by thermally coupling it to a heat pipe cooling
system.
The intensity control (250) is a means of controlling the quantity of light output.
The means uses an electronic driver circuit (230) to give a constant current or
constant voltage output to the light source (210) in order to get the light
emitted. The intensity control module (250) can regulate the amount of
current/voltages as desired. When the user tries to increase or decrease the
intensity of the light, he changes the position of a controlling knob or switch
which in turn changes the current or voltage value going to the light source
(210) thereby increasing or decreasing the light intensity. The light source (210)
can be powered by a modular power source powered by either AC or DC or both.
The power can be given to the light source (210) either directly or through the
driver circuit (230). If the current flows through the driver circuit (230), the
current and voltage can be controlled and it improves the life of the light source
and efficiency. A circuit protection feature safeguards the driver module (230)
and therefore the entire light source unit (210) is protected from accidental
electrical hazards. The power source (220) also supplies power to the cooling
module (260) including the indicators on the light source unit (210).
A single LED or a cluster of LEDs (210) is connected electrically to the driver
circuit (230) and it emits Bright White light with color temperature ranging up to
6500 deg K. The light is converged through an optical means present in the
optical coupler (240), which converges the light beam in a small and narrow
profile. This optical coupler (240) gets attached to the endoscope (120) with its
mechanical attachment. The light then travels through the fibre optic cables
(180) internally within the endoscope (120) and comes out of the tip of the
endoscope (120) as a ring light. The reflected light from the object falls on the
camera sensor (130) and the camera and the image gets processed and
transmitted as a real time video image on the display module (152).
Figure-4 shows according to the invention, an example of a battery powered LED
based light source. The battery can be replaced with cable power.
As shown in figure-4, the light source unit (110) is securely mounted on an
endoscope (120) or laparoscope or arthroscope. The exploded view in Fig.4
describes different components of the light source assembly (110). The assembly
(110) has a first module, and comprises a first housing (5) which has a cavity
accommodating a plurality of battery (6) and a LED driver circuit (230) along
with the intensity control module (250). The assembly (110) is covered with a
cap (9) by a plurality of screws (18). The cover (9) is locked within the first
housing (5) by means of a lock (15).
A second module is disposed in a second housing (7) which has vents for cooling
and contains a fan (4) and a heat sink (8). The second housing (7) also contains
the LED assembly (210) mounted on a base plate (3) and coupled thermally to
the heat sink (8) designed for maximum heat transfer from the junction. This
second housing (7) also contains the cables and connector for powering the LED
assembly (210) and the cooling module (260). The cooling module (260) with
the LED assembly (210) and the heat sink (8) together are mounted to the
second module (7) with a plurality of screws (20).
The LED assembly (210) is secured inside the optical coupler (240) containing an
optical guide (12), a securing nut (13) and a sealant ring (11). A mechanical
adapter (14) is mounted to the light input end of the endoscope (120) to provide
a surface for fitment with the optical coupler (240) of the module. The module
assembly is then slide into the first housing (5) to complete locking of the
assembly with the endoscope (120). The intensity control module (250) and the
on/off switch (not shown) can be provided at a convenient location on the light
source (210).
While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several
embodiments, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or limit the scope
of the appended claims to such detail. Numerous other variations, changes, and
substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope of the invention.
WE CLAIM
1. A compact and portable imaging system adaptable for endoscopic
application, the system comprising:
- an illumination assembly housed in a base unit, the illumination assembly
providing light for illuminating a workspace to capture a video image;
- a camera module, enabled to sense the video image and generate a video
signal; and
- an electronic circuitry, the electronic circuitry comprising
(i) a first electronic subassembly housed in the base unit; and
(ii) a second electronic subassembly housed in a remote unit.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the illumination assembly
comprising:
- a light source unit releasably coupled to the bottom of the base unit;
- a movable light source having a reflector, the light source being
adjustably coupled to a mounting socket on the mounting enabling an
adjustment of the focal point of the light;
- a fiber optic port integral to the mounting and located concentrically to
the mounting socket; and
- a fiber optic receptacle for receiving a connector for a fiber optic cable,
the socket being aligned with the fiber optic port and coupled to the
mounting.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a power source for
supplying power to the light source.
4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the power source and the first
electronic subassembly are housed in the base unit in a stacked
configuration.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electronic subassembly
comprising:
- a timer circuit; and
- a power supply for the electronic circuitry.
6. The system as claimed in claim, wherein the second electronic
subassembly comprising:
- an image processing circuit; and
- a white balance circuit.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote unit and the
camera module are incorporated in a camera-handle.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first connector for signal
transmission from the remote unit to the base unit, and a second
connector for power transmission from the base unit to the remote unit.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a wireless communication
means between the remote unit and the base unit.
10.The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the remote unit is battery
powered.

The invention relates to a compact and portable imaging system adaptable for
endoscopic application, the system comprising an illumination assembly housed
in a base unit, the illumination assembly providing light for illuminating a
workspace to capture a video image; a camera module, enabled to sense the
video image and generate a video signal; and an electronic circuitry, the
electronic circuitry comprising a first electronic subassembly housed in the base
unit; and a second electronic subassembly housed in a remote unit.