阅读说明：本技术 管道镜及相关的方法和系统 (Borescope and related methods and systems ) 是由 约翰·朗厄尔 莱恩·布鲁克斯 于 2015-07-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及管道镜及相关的方法和系统。具体地,提供了用于医疗和其它用途的管道镜。在一些实施例中,便携式管道镜可包括加密狗,该加密狗包括图像处理器,该图像处理器可与管道镜耦接并且可被配置成从管道镜的尖端组件内的图像传感器接收图像数据。在一些实施例中,图像处理器可在耦接到管道镜的移动通用计算装置内。管道镜和/或尖端组件的一个或更多个部件可以是用完可丢弃的。在一些实施例中,管道镜可被配置成将管道镜或管道镜的至少一部分的使用持续时间和使用次数中的至少一个限制为预配置值。(The invention relates to borescopes and related methods and systems. In particular, borescopes for medical and other uses are provided. In some embodiments, the portable borescope may include a dongle that includes an image processor that may be coupled with the borescope and that may be configured to receive image data from an image sensor within a tip assembly of the borescope. In some embodiments, the image processor may be within a mobile general purpose computing device coupled to the borescope. One or more components of the borescope and/or tip assembly may be disposable. In some embodiments, the borescope may be configured to limit at least one of a duration of use and a number of uses of the borescope or at least a portion of the borescope to a preconfigured value.)

1. A medical borescope, comprising:

a handle;

a tube extending from the handle;

a tip assembly positioned at the distal end of the tube, the tip assembly comprising:

a light source; and

an image sensor, wherein the light source is optically isolated from the image sensor; and

a dongle comprising an image processor configured to receive image data from the image sensor, wherein the dongle is coupleable with the medical borescope.

2. The medical borescope of claim 1, wherein the tip assembly further comprises a transparent cover, wherein the image sensor is positioned behind the transparent cover, and wherein the light source is optically isolated from light passing through the transparent cover.

3. The medical borescope of claim 1, wherein the tube comprises a non-conductive material.

4. The medical borescope of claim 3, wherein the tube comprises a non-conductive tube portion positioned concentrically over a conductive tube portion.

5. The medical borescope of claim 1, wherein the tip assembly further comprises a housing, wherein the housing comprises a first lumen and a second lumen, wherein the image sensor is positioned within the first lumen, and wherein the light source is positioned within the second lumen.

6. The medical borescope of claim 1, wherein the tip assembly further comprises a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board is physically separated from the light source such that the light source is positioned distal to the printed circuit board within the tip assembly.

7. The medical borescope of claim 1, wherein the light source is positioned at least substantially flush with a distal end of the tip assembly.

8. A medical borescope, comprising:

a handle;

a tube extending from the handle; and

a tip assembly positioned at the distal end of the tube, wherein the tip assembly comprises:

a light source;

a lens;

an image sensor;

a printed circuit board; and

a housing, wherein the light source is positioned distal to the image sensor within the housing.

9. The medical borescope of claim 8, further comprising a transparent cover, wherein the lens is positioned behind the transparent cover, wherein the light source is optically isolated from the transparent cover, and wherein the light source is positioned distal to the transparent cover.

10. The medical borescope of claim 8, wherein the light source is positioned within a first lumen formed within the housing, and wherein the lens is positioned within a second lumen formed within the housing.

11. The medical borescope of claim 8, further comprising a first transparent cover and a second transparent cover, wherein the lens is positioned behind the first transparent cover, and wherein the light source is positioned behind the second transparent cover.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to borescope technology, which may include, for example, laparoscopy, endoscopy, other related medical borescopes, and other industrial applications, such as engine, turbine, or architectural inspections.

Background

Borescope technology has been applied to the medical field for many years. For example, laparoscopy and endoscopy both involve a medical professional inserting a borescope into a patient. Borescopes allow physicians to view a patient's internal organs without having to surgically expose the organ to air.

In a conventional laparoscopic system, a laparoscope including a rod lens tube and a handle body is connected to a processing stack for processing image data received from the laparoscope. The rod lens tube is part of a laparoscope that is inserted into the abdominal cavity of a patient. High intensity light is introduced into the lens and illuminates the tissue. Light reflected off the surface of the tissue is transmitted back onto the rod lens into a camera that captures images transmitted through wires to image processing devices in the device stack.

As described above, conventional laparoscopic systems suffer from several disadvantages. For example, laparoscopic systems require large stacks of equipment to generate light and process video images. The light is typically a high intensity xenon light source that is delivered to the laparoscope via a fiber optic cable. Fiber optic cables are fragile and can be a hindrance to physicians. In addition, high intensity light sources can be very hot, even if improperly monitored, burning the patient or catching fire on a patient covered curtain. In addition, the color or intensity of the light source can change from one setting to the next or over time, requiring frequent white balancing. In addition, rod lenses are fragile, which limits their use in certain conditions and/or necessitates expensive repair or replacement. In fact, a second industry has developed that is concerned with repairing damaged rod lens tubes.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments disclosed herein may include systems, methods, and apparatus configured to provide a highly portable medical borescope system (e.g., a laparoscopic system) to a medical professional that eliminates the need for an external light source or large video imaging processing equipment. While the preferred embodiments may be most suitable for use in the medical field, it is contemplated that various other fields may benefit from the present disclosure. For example, various embodiments disclosed herein may have industrial applications, such as inspection and/or maintenance of aircraft engines, other engines and/or turbines, building inspection, tank inspection, surveillance, forensic, and so forth. Because many such applications, such as many medical applications, involve area-visible inspection that can be confused, and/or involve remote access points, in conjunction with various fields and applications, both medical and non-medical in nature, the portability and/or disposability (disposability) features disclosed herein may be particularly useful.

Some embodiments disclosed herein may provide a laparoscopic body that is disposable or suitable for a single use or a limited number of uses (e.g., 10 uses). The system also includes a portable image processing dongle in communication with the laparoscope. The dongle outputs the video image to the display. The dongle can include a common display connector,such as, for example, HDMI, USB, or Lightning^TMA connector for attaching a non-dedicated display or connecting a dedicated display through a general connector.

In some embodiments, the mobility and/or disposability of the laparoscope can be achieved by placing the LEDs and image sensors within the body of the laparoscope (i.e., within the portion of the laparoscope that is placed in the sterile field of the patient). For example, some embodiments include a medical borescope tube having a first tube end and a second tube end. The first tube end can be remote from the handle body and the second tube end can be in communication with the handle body. The light source and the image sensor may be disposed at the first tube end. The power source may be in communication with the light source and the image sensor. A data link may connect the image sensor to the image processor. The image processor may be disposed within a dongle connected to the handle body by a flexible cord.

In at least one alternative embodiment, instead of communicating to the dongle, a mobile computing device such as a tablet computer or mobile phone may communicate with the handle body, such as via a wired cable and/or a wireless communication link, for example. In this way, the mobile computing device is able to process the image data and provide a display to view the processed data. Thus, the mobile computing device may also provide additional general computing functionality related to sharing medical data and analyzing image data.

As an additional example, some embodiments may include a method for processing image data received from an image sensor disposed within a tip of a medical borescope device. The method can include serializing (serialize) image data received from, or otherwise receiving and/or processing image data from, an image sensor, which may be disposed at a first end of a medical borescope tube. The method can further include transmitting the image data (in some embodiments, the serialized image data) down the medical borescope tube to a second end of the medical borescope tube. Additionally, the method can include deserializing (deserialize) or otherwise processing and/or receiving the image data at an image processor, which may be located within a dongle in communication with the image sensor. The method can also include interpolating color from the image data, correcting color saturation, filtering noise, gamma coding, and/or converting RGB image data to YUV using an image processor.

In some embodiments, the image processor (e.g., in a dongle) includes a white balance module. The white balance module may set a white balance based on a color spectrum of the LED in the tip of the borescope. Thus, the image processing can be calibrated in advance during the manufacturing segment, avoiding the need for the user to adjust the white balance each time it is used.

In a preferred embodiment, the borescope may include a fixed lens that is pre-focused at a desired depth of field. The lens may be placed at the distal end of the borescope, just distal to the sensor, at a fixed distance to create a fixed lens. The fixed lens and image sensor at the distal end can be pre-focused, thereby eliminating the need for a physician to focus the lens. The fixed lens, pre-focus, pre-calibrated white balance allows the physician to insert the borescope into the monitor and receive high quality imaging with minimal technical assistance or adjustment.

In an example of a medical borescope device according to some embodiments, the device may include a tube including a first tube end and a second tube end opposite the first tube end. The handle body may be coupled with a tube. A light source, such as a light emitting diode, may be positioned adjacent to the first tube end and configured to generate light at the first tube end. The apparatus may further include an image sensor positioned adjacent the first tube end and a power source, such as a battery, which may be configured to provide power to at least one of the light source and the image sensor. In some embodiments, a battery or other power source may be used to provide power to the light source, the image sensor, and/or any other component of the device that requires power.

The data communication link may be coupled with the image sensor. The apparatus may further include a dongle including an image processor configured to receive image data from the image sensor. This may allow the device to be coupled with a standard display of a portable computing device, thereby reducing cost and increasing mobility/portability of the imaging system. In some embodiments, the dongle can include a public, universal, and/or non-customized display connector, such as HDMI or USB, for example, so that a public, non-customized, non-dedicated display, such as a display from a mobile general purpose computing device, can be used to display images from the device. Thus, in some embodiments, a dongle may be configured to couple with a mobile general purpose computing device to allow a display of such a device to be used to display images from the device. In some embodiments, the power source may be part of a dongle.

In some embodiments, the first tube end is distal from the handle body and the second tube end is coupled to the handle body. In some embodiments, the dongle can be coupled or coupleable to the handle body. Thus, in some embodiments, particularly in embodiments that are disposable, the dongle can be configured to be removed from the apparatus after disposal of the original apparatus or at least a portion of the original apparatus, and attached to a new apparatus. However, in other embodiments, the dongle may be disposable with the remainder of the device, or at least discarded with the remainder of the disposable portion of the device.

Some embodiments may further include a flexible wire connector for coupling the dongle to the handle body. Alternatively, the dongle can be electrically coupled directly to the handle body or another portion of the device without a patch cord. For example, in some embodiments, the dongle can be inserted into the handle body or another portion of the device. Alternatively, the dongle can be wirelessly coupled with the device.

In some embodiments, the device may include a tip assembly, which may include a printed circuit board. In some such embodiments, the image sensor may be positioned on or otherwise coupled with the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the light source may be spaced apart from the circuit board. Accordingly, some such embodiments may include a spacer mount configured to space the light source from the circuit board. In some embodiments, the spacer mount itself may comprise a printed circuit board. Alternatively, the spacer mount may simply be configured to space the light source from the circuit board, and the light source may be coupled to another circuit board by other means.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the medical borescope device may be disposable. In some such embodiments, the medical borescope device may be configured to limit at least one of a duration of use and a number of uses of the medical borescope device to a preconfigured value. This may be accomplished, for example, by recording at least one of the duration of use and the number of uses on a flash memory component or another such non-volatile memory component located within the medical borescope device. In some embodiments, the reservoir component may be located within a tip assembly of the device, which may be detachable from the remainder of the device. In some such embodiments, the memory components may be located on a printed circuit board located within the tip assembly.

In an example of a medical borescope system according to some embodiments, the system may include a medical borescope. The medical borescope may include a handle body coupled with a tube, and a light source positioned adjacent to a first tube end and configured to generate light at the first tube end. The borescope may further include an image sensor positioned adjacent the first pipe end and a data communication link coupled with the image sensor.

The system may further include a mobile general purpose computing device, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, or laptop computer having a visual display coupled to the medical borescope. The mobile general purpose computing device may include an image processor configured to receive image data from an image sensor of the borescope. The visual display of the mobile general purpose computing device may be configured to display information received from the image processor.

In an example of a method for processing image data received from an image sensor positioned within a medical borescope device according to some embodiments, the method may include receiving image data from an image sensor positioned within a medical borescope device. The image data may be sent to an image processor, which may be located within a dongle or a mobile general purpose computing device coupled with the medical borescope device. The image data may then be processed using an image processor, and the resulting processed image data may be transmitted from the image processor to a visual display.

Some embodiments may further comprise treating the medical borescope device, or at least a portion of the treatment device. Thus, as described above, some embodiments may be specifically configured to be used once, or for a predetermined number of times and/or for a predetermined duration. In some such embodiments, the second medical borescope device may be coupled with a dongle or a mobile general purpose computing device after treatment of the first device or at least a portion of the first device. In some embodiments and examples, both the original medical borescope device and the second medical borescope device may be configured to limit at least one of a duration of use and a number of uses of the medical borescope device to a preconfigured value. Thus, in some such embodiments and implementations, the memory component may be configured to store periodic on/off associated with the device and/or time of use, and the device may be configured to transmit a command upon detection of a threshold number of uses and/or time of use, thereby causing the device to become disabled, or otherwise restricting use of the device.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of such exemplary embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments as set forth hereinafter. Furthermore, the features, structures, steps, or characteristics disclosed herein, in connection with one embodiment, may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more alternative embodiments.

Drawings

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of laparoscopic surgery according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a laparoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a laparoscope;

FIG. 4A shows a medical borescope device having a removable borescope tube according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of an interchangeable borescope tube;

FIG. 4C shows another embodiment of an interchangeable borescope tube;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an interchangeable borescope tube attached to a handle body;

FIG. 6A shows an exploded view of an assembly configured to be positioned in and/or form a tip of a borescope tube, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B shows a cross-section of the tip of the borescope tube shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a tip of a borescope tube according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a laparoscope having an articulatable tip;

FIG. 9 illustrates a sequence of steps in a method for performing an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is an exploded view of another embodiment of a tip assembly configured to be positioned within and/or form a tip of a borescope tube;

FIG. 10B is another exploded view of the tip assembly of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a handle body for a borescope system according to an alternative embodiment; and

fig. 11B is a side elevational view of the handle body of fig. 11.

Detailed Description

Embodiments disclosed herein may include systems, methods, and apparatus configured to provide a highly portable medical borescope (e.g., laparoscopic or endoscopic systems) system to a medical professional that may eliminate the need for external light sources or large and/or customized video imaging processing devices. Some embodiments may include a laparoscopic body that is disposable or adapted for a single use or a limited number of uses (e.g., 10 uses). In some embodiments, the system may further include a portable image processing dongle/dongle (dongle) in communication with the laparoscope. The dongle can output video images to a display. The dongle can include one or more public display connectors, such as HDMI, USB, and/or lightning connectors, for attaching non-dedicated displays, or connecting dedicated displays through a universal connector.

By placing the LEDs and image sensors within the body of the laparoscope (i.e., within the portion of the laparoscope that is placed in the sterile field of the patient), the mobility and/or disposability of the laparoscope is achieved.

Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein may allow a medical professional to utilize medical borescope technology at a variety of different locations, including the field. In addition, some embodiments may allow a medical professional to use a single medical borescope system to effectively perform a variety of different medical borescope procedures. For example, a medical professional can use the same medical borescope system to perform both endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures. Thus, by providing a low cost and highly transportable medical borescope system, some embodiments may provide significant benefits in third world countries and additional countries lacking medical services.

In addition, some embodiments can be readily incorporated into a variety of different medical systems. For example, many conventional surgical kits include highly integrated systems that communicate only with medical devices from a single manufacturer or a group of manufacturers. In contrast, some embodiments disclosed herein may provide communication to a single dongle device that performs the necessary image processing and provides an output PORT that communicates through a variety of different common protocols, such as HDMI, VGA, USB, DISPLAY PORT, MINI DISPLAY PORT, and other common protocols. Thus, some embodiments may allow the medical borescope system to communicate with a variety of conventional devices such as a standard high definition television, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, and/or any other display device including a common communication port.

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of laparoscopic surgery, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates performing a laparoscopic procedure on a patient 140 using an embodiment of the laparoscopic system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, laparoscope 110 is being inserted into an orifice 150 within the abdomen of patient 140. Laparoscope 110 communicates with dongle 120, which dongle 120 is transmitting image data to television display 130. The transmitted image data can include information received from a laparoscope 110 inserted within the abdomen of a patient 140.

In at least one embodiment, dongle 120 can include one or more common output ports. For example, dongle 120 may communicate with television display 130 through an HDMI port. Thus, the television display 130 need not be a specially designed component, but may be an off-the-shelf television. Similarly, dongle 120 can include a common computer input/output port, such as a USB port. In this way, dongle 120 is capable of communicating with an external computing device through a USB port. Thus, dongle 120 is capable of providing a communication port that communicates to a general purpose computer or mobile device, such as a tablet computer or smartphone, and does not require a dedicated processing stack.

Additionally, dongle 120 can include an integrated processing unit. In at least one embodiment, the integrated processing unit can include a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a microcontroller, a programmable integrated circuit, and/or any other type of processing unit. The processing unit can be configured to receive image data from the laparoscope 110 and perform various processing functions on the image data. For example, the processing unit can format image data into various video and image formats that can be read by devices that can be connected to the dongle 120 through various ports of the dongle.

The processing unit may also be configured to perform various image processing tasks on the received image data. For example, the processing unit may perform color interpolation operations, color saturation and correction operations, noise filtering, gamma correction, and other similar image processing functions on the received image data.

In one embodiment, the processing unit performs white balancing. Based on the known spectra of the LEDs used in the borescope, the white balance can be pre-calibrated. The processing unit may also include one or more buttons for user controlled white balance, exposure, gain, zoom or macro settings.

In some embodiments, the processing unit may further include a User Interface (UI) module for generating display information to be transmitted to the display. For example, one or more of the settings of the borescope may be displayed as an image on a display so that a user can view and/or change the settings. Generating the UI from the processing unit allows video images to be displayed on a general-purpose TV or monitor.

As shown in fig. 1, some embodiments may include medical borescope systems that are highly mobile and highly compatible with commonly available devices. For example, in contrast to a customized medical kit that requires a dedicated processing stack, the embodiment of the medical borescope system as shown in fig. 1 is able to communicate with a standard television display and requires only a small, easily portable dongle for processing. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such a system can provide the benefits of medically poor areas and on-site hospitals where expensive and heavy equipment is not readily available.

In some embodiments, the laparoscope can be configured such that it is not connected to an external light source. The light source for the laparoscopic system 100 may alternatively be positioned within the laparoscope 110. In some such embodiments, a light source may be positioned at the distal end of the laparoscope 110 to directly illuminate the tissue of the subject. In some embodiments, illumination may be provided without the use of light pipes or optical fibers, which reduces the complexity of the illumination system and avoids the spreading of light.

With continued reference to the figures, FIG. 2 illustrates a laparoscopic system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated laparoscopic system 100 includes a laparoscope 110 and a dongle 120. The illustrated laparoscope 110 also includes a borescope tube 210 connected to the handle body 200. The handle body 200 can include one or more input members 212a, 212 b. The medical professional can use the input components 212a, 212b to adjust various attributes of the received image data in real-time. For example, a medical professional may be able to manipulate white balance, focus, or zoom using a slide switch or knob 212a, 212b positioned on the handle body 200 for easy access. In other embodiments, the laparoscope 110 may have no user-actuated features (e.g., no buttons), which reduces the cost and complexity of cleaning and sterilization. In this embodiment, various aspects of the apparatus may be controlled by the processing unit.

In some embodiments, the handle 200 may include shapes, features or elements that allow a user to easily determine which side of the device is up and which side is down by, for example, tactile sensation or visual inspection. For example, in the embodiment of fig. 2, a notch 202 is provided to enable a user to grasp the handle 200 and immediately and/or easily feel which side is up, which may be useful in providing images in a desired orientation. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the notch 202 may be replaced with another feature or element, such as a protrusion or the like. Alternatively, the handle 200 may include an asymmetrical shape, such as that shown in the embodiment of fig. 11A and 11B, which will be discussed in more detail below. Such a shape may allow a user to grip the handle and be able to determine whether the device is held in a preferred rotational orientation based on tactile feel alone. In still other embodiments, visible elements, such as images, indicia, etc., may be provided on only one side of the handle 200 to allow immediate visual confirmation of the rotational orientation of the device. The notch 202, as well as other elements, features, or components mentioned herein that allow a surgeon or other user to determine the rotational orientation of the handle by visual inspection and/or tactile feel, are examples of means for confirming the rotational orientation of the borescope handle.

In the illustrated embodiment, laparoscope 110 communicates with dongle 120 via a wired connection. As shown, dongle 120 can be communicatively positioned intermediate laparoscope 110 and a display device. In various embodiments, dongle 120 can comprise a variety of different sizes and form factors. For example, dongle 120 can include any size that results in a volume equal to or less than 16 cubic inches. Conversely, at a lower end, dongle 120 can comprise any size that results in a volume equal to or greater than 1 cubic inch. Additionally, dongle 120 can include a volume between 2 cubic inches and 14 cubic inches, 4 cubic inches and 12 cubic inches, 6 cubic inches and 10 cubic inches, or 8 cubic inches and 9 cubic inches.

As described above, dongle 120 can include a processing unit configured to perform various image processing tasks. For example, the image processing unit may format the received image data into a format readable at the respective output ports 230a, 230 b. Dongle 120 can also include a multicast (multicast) module that enables simultaneous transmission of data to multiple output devices. For example, dongle 120 may be capable of outputting image data to multiple high definition television displays located at different locations around a medical room. Additionally, the multicast module may be configured to broadcast simultaneously through a plurality of different output port types provided on dongle 120. For example, the multicast module may simultaneously transmit image data through the HDMI output port and the VGA output port. In this way, a plurality of different display types can be connected to dongle 120 and the same information received from dongle 120 through each respective output port type. In some embodiments, the image data may be unicast (unicast) or multicast simultaneously over a network, such as, for example, ethernet, WIFI, or fiber optic network.

The dongle 120 can be connected to the laparoscope 110 and/or the display 130 (fig. 1) using a specific length of cord to minimize cord tangling, but to place the dongle in a desired position relative to the patient. For example, in some embodiments, the leash is selected to place the dongle outside of the sterile field. In some embodiments, the data cable between the laparoscope and the dongle can be greater than 2 feet, 4 feet, or 6 feet, and/or less than 14 feet, 12 feet, or 10 feet, or within the aforementioned ranges. In some embodiments, the dongle can be connected to a monitor having a cord of less than 14 feet, 10 feet, 8 feet, 4 feet, 2 feet, or even 1 foot. The dongle can be enclosed in a protective housing (e.g., a rubber housing) sufficient to protect the dongle so that it is placed on the floor on which it can be stepped. Alternatively, the dongle may include a clip for attaching the dongle to a bed post. Additional alternative means for coupling the dongle to an external device or element may include screws and/or mounting plates for coupling the dongle to a monitor or mounting the dongle on a standard rack.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment, dongle 120 can include an electrical outlet 220 that is configured to provide power to dongle 120, laparoscope 110 and/or a display. In an alternative embodiment, dongle 120 can include an integrated power source, such as battery 125 as shown in FIG. 4A, which can be used to power dongle 120 and/or laparoscope 110. In some embodiments, the battery 125 may be rechargeable. Further, in at least one embodiment, dongle 120 can include a port that is capable of communicating with and receiving power from an external device, such as a USB port that communicates with a computer.

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a laparoscopic system. In this embodiment, the laparoscopic system 100 includes an alternative shape for the handle body 200, an alternative configuration for the input components 212a, 212b, and a mobile computing device 300 instead of a dongle. In an alternative embodiment, the laparoscopic system 100 may communicate with a desktop computer instead of the mobile computing device 300.

In at least one embodiment, the mobile computing device 300 may comprise a tablet computer, a smart phone, or a laptop computer. The mobile computing device 300 can be configured to perform various image processing tasks on the image data received from the laparoscopic system 100. For example, the mobile computing arrangement 300 can provide various viewing features, image editing features, video and image storage features, data sharing features, and other similar computer-enabled functions. In addition, as the medical professional makes adjustments to the input components 212a, 212b, the mobile computing device 300 can receive the adjustments, the mobile computing device 300 can cause any necessary adjustments that need to be made within the laparoscopic system 100 to perform the adjustments received from the medical professional.

To communicate with the laparoscopic system 100, the mobile computing device 300 may include a customized software application. The software application may be configured to communicate with the laparoscopic system 100 and provide various laparoscopic specific functions. Additionally, the software application may include streaming functionality that allows images received by the mobile computing device 300 to be streamed to a remote location. In this manner, the medical professional can actually participate in the laparoscopic surgery even if the medical professional is at a remote location.

Turning now to fig. 4A-4C, fig. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a laparoscope having a removable borescope tube according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 shown in fig. 4A includes a borescope tube 210, a handle body 200, and a dongle 120, as described above. Additionally, in some embodiments, the laparoscopic system 100 may include an interchangeable borescope 210. For example, the borescope 210 of FIG. 4A includes interchangeable tube portions 400 and attachment points 430. In particular, the interchangeable tube portion 400 of fig. 4A includes a laparoscopic tube 400 having a particular diameter and length.

Fig. 4B and 4C illustrate various embodiments of interchangeable tube portions 410, 420. The interchangeable tube portion 410 includes a laparoscopic tube portion 410 having longer and narrower dimensions than the laparoscopic tube portion 400 shown in figure 4A. In contrast to the laparoscopic tubes 400, 410 shown in fig. 4A and 4B, fig. 4C shows an endoscopic tube portion 420. Both the laparoscopic tube portion 410 of FIG. 4B and the endoscopic tube portion 420 of FIG. 4C can communicate with the same attachment point 430.

In some embodiments, one or more tube portions may comprise a non-conductive material, such as a plastic or ceramic material, which may serve as a shield from other devices, such as cautery devices or other electrosurgical devices. Such material may constitute the entire tube portion or a portion of the tube. In some embodiments, the shield tube may be positioned concentrically over another tube. In some embodiments, other shielding techniques/features, such as Faraday cages (Faraday cages), may be incorporated within or otherwise adjacent to the non-conductive tube or tube portion.

Thus, in some embodiments, a medical professional can select between various tubing segments to meet the needs of a particular procedure. For example, the embodiment of the borescope system as shown in FIG. 4A is capable of performing laparoscopic surgery requiring a variety of different borescope lengths, diameters, stiffness, material types (e.g., steel, plastic, etc.), and/or surgical tools integrated into the laparoscope. In at least one embodiment, the laparoscopic tube portion can also be available in a variety of different levels of deformability, such that a particular laparoscopic tube portion is rigid, while others include significant flexibility.

Similarly, some embodiments are capable of performing a variety of different endoscopic procedures that also require different borescope attributes. For example, in some embodiments and implementations, a single medical borescope system may be used with an endoscope sized for infants, children, and/or adults. In addition, a variety of different features and capabilities can be incorporated into a separate endoscope, enabling a physician to select a particular endoscope tube based on the optics in the tool, the particular surgical tool incorporated into the tool, the particular sensor incorporated into the tool, the size, materials of construction, and/or other similar features and capabilities.

In addition, the embodiments of the borescope system as disclosed in fig. 4A, 4B, and 4C provide a system in which the various borescope portions 400, 410, 420 can also be easily disinfected and cleaned. For example, in at least one embodiment, the borescope portion 400, 410, 420 is disposable after each procedure, such that a new, sterile borescope portion 400, 410, 420 is used for each procedure. In an alternative embodiment, borescope tube portions 400, 410, 420 are removable so that they can be easily cleaned and sterilized.

Although fig. 4A shows attachment points 430 extending from the handle body 200, in at least one embodiment, the borescope tube portions 400, 410, 420 may interchangeably be connected directly to the handle body 200. In either case, the attachment point 430 may be positioned such that no portion of the attachment point is in contact with the non-sterile surface. In this manner, the contact point 430 and the handle body 200 may not require the same level of sterilization as the borescope tube portions 400, 410, 420.

Further, in at least one embodiment, the borescope portions 400, 410, 420 are integrated into a single structure such that the borescope portions 400, 410, 420 may not be removed from the handle body 200. In this case, the handle body 200 can be interchangeably connected to the dongle 120. Thus, various types of laparoscopes and endoscopes, including their respective handle bodies 200, can be interchangeably connected to a single dongle 120.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an interchangeable borescope tube coupled to a handle body according to another embodiment. Specifically, fig. 5 shows the borescope tube 210 and the handle body 200 connected by a pin and latch connection 500. Pin and latch connection 500 may include one or more pins 510 extending from the body of borescope tube 210. The one or more pins 510 may be received by one or more latches 520 formed within a receiving hole 530 in the handle body 200. The one or more pins 510 and the one or more latches 520 may be spaced apart such that each of the one or more pins 510 may only be received by a particular latch 520, thus requiring the borescope tube 210 to have a particular orientation relative to the handle body 200.

Various alternative embodiments may include connectors other than pin and latch connection 500. For example, the borescope tube 210 and the handle body 200 can be connected by a threaded connection, a clamped connection, a press fit connection, or any other common connection type. In at least one embodiment, it may be desirable for the connection type to limit rotational movement between the borescope tube 210 and the handle body 200. This may be necessary to prevent the borescope tube 210 from disconnecting from the handle body 200 while in use.

In at least one embodiment, the borescope tube 210 can further include electrical connection points 540 disposed around the bottom of the borescope tube 210. The electrical connection point 540 can be configured to receive power from the handle body 200 and provide a communication path between instruments within the lumened scope tube 210 and components within the handle body 200. While the electrical connection point 540 is shown as a conductive contact pad disposed around the bottom circumference of the borescope tube 210, in other embodiments, the electrical connection point 540 can be positioned anywhere the borescope tube 210 contacts the handle body 200. Additionally, the electrical connection points 540 can include pin and socket connections, magnetic connections, inductive connections, and any other common connection types. Similarly, if fiber optics or some other communication medium is used, appropriate connection points can also be incorporated into the borescope tube 210 and the handle body 200.

Fig. 6A-6B and 7 illustrate an embodiment of a tip 600 of a borescope tube according to another embodiment. The tip 600 is shown to include a portion of the borescope tube distal from the handle body 200 and is the portion of the borescope that is first inserted into the patient. The tip 600 can include various features including one or more LED lights 610, an image sensor 620, a pass-through port 670, and other medical borescope components. In at least one embodiment, the one or more LEDs 610 can include a variety of different colors and intensities. The different LEDs 610 may be individually addressable and controlled by a medical professional or may be automatically controlled by a processing unit within the lumened scope tube, within the handle body 200, or within the dongle 120.

Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary components that can be used in a tip 600 of a borescope according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 6A shows an exploded view, and fig. 6B shows a sectional view. Tip 600 includes housing 614, lens assembly 611, cover glass 635, Light Emitting Diode (LED)610, wires 616, spacer mount 617, image sensor 620, Printed Circuit Board (PCB)640, and assembly screws 623. The sensor 620 may be mounted directly to the PCB 640, and the PCB 640 may be mounted to the housing 614 to secure the PCB 640. The lens assembly 611 includes an optical component 530 (i.e., a lens) mounted at a specific distance from the image sensor 620 to provide proper focusing. The threads 613 allow the lens assembly 611 to move relative to the housing 614 to change the spacing 621 between the image sensor 620 and the optical element 530. Cover glass 635 may be sealed to housing 614 to prevent fluids within the patient from contacting lens assembly 611. The cover glass 635 may also protect the lens assembly from impact, which may move the lens out of focus (if not protected).

The image sensor 620 can comprise a custom CMOS sensor, an off-the-shelf CMOS sensor, or any other digital image capture device. Additionally, the image sensor 620 can be configured to capture images and video at a variety of different resolutions, including but not limited to 720p, 720i, 1080p, 1080i, and other similar high resolution formats. Image sensor 620 may also include pixel sizes greater than 0.8 μm, 1 μm, or 2 μm and/or less than 4 μm, 3 μm, 2 μm, or in the range of any of the aforementioned upper and lower sizes.

The LED610 may be mounted to a housing 614. In a preferred embodiment, the LED610 is mounted substantially flush with the end of the housing 614 to minimize light tunneling. The LED610 may be mounted off the PCB 640 so as to place the LED610 flush with the housing 614. For example, the LED610 may be within 3mm, 2mm, or 1mm of the end of the housing 614. The use of wires 616 enables the mounting of the LEDs 610 outside the PCB 640 to provide power to the LEDs 610. The LEDs 610 may be mounted to the housing 614 using optically pure epoxy or other suitable methods. A cover glass (not shown) may also be used over the LEDs 610.

In some embodiments, the LED610 may be mounted to the PCB 640 and a light guide may be used to guide light to an opening in the distal end of the tip 600. In one embodiment, the light guide may be less than 20cm, 10cm, 5cm, or 2 cm. The LED610 is preferably placed in the tip 600, but may also be placed at an intermediate location within the borescope tube or within the handle of the borescope using a light pipe. However, the LED610 is placed within the borescope such that no external cable attached to the light source is required. Placing the LED610 within the borescope minimizes the distance light must travel and eliminates the possibility of light sources with different emission spectra being attached. The LEDs 610 embedded in the borescope can then be white balanced at the time of manufacture to ensure proper tissue color with minimal or no input from the user.

The portion of the housing 614 surrounding the LED610 serves to optically isolate the LED610 from lateral exposure of light to the image sensor 620. For example, the LEDs 610 are laterally isolated from the cover glass 635. This isolation prevents light from diffusing or reflecting back into the cover glass 635 or image sensor 620 before being reflected off the tissue. Due to the close proximity of the LED610 and the image sensor 620, this isolation is important to achieve a usable signal-to-noise ratio. The LED610 is preferably mounted on the far side of the image sensor 620, even more preferably on the far side of the cover glass 635.

In at least one embodiment, the LEDs 610 and the image sensor 620 can be attached to a common printed circuit board 640. The LED610 and the image sensor 620 can communicate with the handle body 200 through one or more wires. In addition, the LED610 and the image sensor 620 can receive power through a plurality of wires. In a preferred embodiment, the image sensor 620 and/or the PCB 640 are capable of pre-processing pixel data and outputting a serialized data stream that can be transmitted over a relatively large distance (e.g., greater than 50cm, 75cm, or 100 cm). In a preferred embodiment, the image data output from the tip 600 is serialized data from a MIPI or LVDS interface. The image data may be at least 8 bits or at least 12 bits, and the data may be RGB data or Bayer (Bayer) data.

Various embodiments of the present invention are capable of providing various optical configurations. For example, in at least one embodiment, the optics can be configured as a fixed zero degree lens 630 with an aperture such that the optics include a high depth of field. In addition, the optics can be configured such that it focuses at 10cm instead of 1m, which is typical of many conventional CMOS optical systems. In particular, the optics may include an approximately 90 degree field of view having a near depth of view of approximately 15mm and a far depth of view of approximately 100 mm.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the optics may include a fisheye lens or a wide angle lens. In such embodiments, dongle 120 may also include image processing components configured to smooth images received from wide angle lenses or fisheye lenses such that at least a portion of the distortion from the lenses is removed from the final image. In at least one embodiment, interchangeable borescopes are available via a variety of different optics, enabling the physician to select a particular borescope based on the desired optical characteristics.

In at least one embodiment, the borescope has a fixed lens with a depth of field spanning at least 30cm, 50cm or 70cm, and/or less than 120cm, 100cm or 90cm, and/or within the aforementioned ranges. The bottom of the focus range may be less than 20cm, 15cm, 10cm or 5cm and the upper boundary of the focus range may be greater than 50cm, 70mm, 90cm or 110 cm. For the purposes of this disclosure, a lens may be considered in-focus, where the lens produces a spot size of less than 2 pixels.

The F # of the lens is selected to provide sufficient light at the selected depth of field. The lens can have an F # greater than or equal to 2.5, 3.5, 5.5, 7.5, or 10.

Fig. 6 and 7 show a range with zero angle. However, the lens may also have an angled lens (i.e., relative to the axis of the borescope tube). The lens angle may be greater than or equal to 15 degrees, 25 degrees, or 45 degrees and/or less than or equal to 65 degrees, 50 degrees, or 35 degrees. The angle of the field of view may be greater than 60 degrees, 75 degrees, or 90 degrees and/or less than 110 degrees, 100 degrees, or 90 degrees, or within the aforementioned ranges. In one embodiment, the optical system can include a focal length of about 2mm and an F # of about 2.4.

In some embodiments, software image rotation may be used to maintain a preferred orientation of the image on the display as the user rotates the range. In some such embodiments, the system and/or apparatus may be configured such that image rotation may be controlled on the device, such as by a dial on the handle. In some embodiments, one or more rotation, orientation and/or tilt sensors, such as accelerometers, may be provided to facilitate a desired image orientation/rotation.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment with three LEDs at the periphery of the image sensor 620. The pass-through port 670 may include a channel that extends at least partially up the length of the medical borescope tube. In at least one embodiment, the pass-through port 670 can be configured to allow a medical professional to insert a medical tool through the pass-through port 670 and into the patient. For example, a medical professional may insert a biopsy tool through port 670, enabling removal of specific tissue identified by the borescope for biopsy.

In addition to providing various optics that affect a physician's field of view within a patient, in some embodiments, a medical borescope may include an articulatable portion. For example, FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a laparoscope having an articulatable tip. Specifically, the borescope tube 210 includes a hinge point 800 that allows the tip 600 to point in a direction other than parallel to the borescope tube 210. In at least one embodiment, the hinge point 800 can hinge up to 90 degrees in any direction relative to the borescope tube 210. Thus, the tip 600 can be moved within a full hemisphere extending radially outward from the hinge point 800.

As an exemplary approach, one or more sliders 810 can be positioned along the handle body 200, although a variety of different approaches for controlling articulation of the tip 600 can be used. In at least one embodiment, the slider(s) 810 can be positioned proximate to one or more input components 212a, 212b that can manipulate various attributes of images received through the medical borescope. Each of the sliders 810 can be configured to articulate the hinge point 800 along a single respective axis. As such, in some embodiments, a medical professional can use a combination of sliders 810 to position tip 600 in alignment with any point along a hemisphere extending outward from hinge point 800.

By controlling the articulation of the tip 600 of the borescope within the patient, the medical professional can more easily view various surfaces within the patient. This may provide particular benefit in a fixed lens system-otherwise the field of view may be limited to be directly forward from the tip 600.

Thus, fig. 1-8 and corresponding text illustrate or otherwise describe one or more methods, systems, and/or apparatus for utilizing a medical borescope that includes an interchangeable borescope tube and digital image sensor within a tip of the borescope tube. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of the invention can also be described in terms of methods that include one or more acts or steps for achieving a particular result. For example, fig. 9 shows a flow diagram of a series of acts in a method for processing image data received from a medical borescope instrument. The actions/steps of fig. 9 are described below with reference to the components and modules shown in fig. 1-8.

For example, figure 9 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for processing image data received from a medical borescope instrument, which method can comprise an act 900 of serializing the image data. Act 900 includes serializing image data received from an image sensor, wherein the image sensor is disposed in a first end of a medical borescope tube. For example, fig. 6A shows a tip 600 of a medical borescope tube 210 that includes an image sensor 620. The information received by the image sensor 620 is serialized before being transmitted down the medical borescope tube 210.

Figure 9 also shows that the method can comprise an act 910 of transmitting image data. Act 910 includes transmitting the serialized image data down the medical borescope tube to a second end of the medical borescope tube. For example, fig. 6A shows an electrical communication path connecting the image sensor to the second end of the medical borescope tube 210.

Additionally, figure 9 shows that the method can comprise an act 920 of deserializing the image data. Act 920 can include deserializing the image data at an image processor, where the image processor is located within a dongle that is in communication with the image sensor. For example, fig. 2 shows a dongle 120 in communication with a laparoscope 110. Dongle 120 includes an image processor that receives data transmitted from image sensor 620 and deserializes the received data.

Figure 9 also shows that the method can comprise an act 930 of interpolating the colors. Act 930 includes interpolating, using the image processor, colors from the image data. For example, fig. 2 shows a dongle 120 in communication with a laparoscope 110. Dongle 120 includes an image processor configured to interpolate color information from image data received from image sensor 620.

Additionally, figure 9 shows that the method can comprise an act 940 of correcting color saturation. Act 940 includes correcting color saturation using an image processor. For example, fig. 2 shows a dongle in communication with laparoscope 110. Dongle 120 includes an image processor configured to correct color saturation within image data received from image sensor 620.

Figure 9 also shows that the method can comprise an act 950 of filtering out noise. Act 950 can include filtering noise from the image data using an image processor. For example, fig. 2 shows a dongle in communication with laparoscope 110. Dongle 120 includes an image processor configured to filter noise from image data received from image sensor 620.

Further, figure 9 shows that the method can comprise an act 960 of gamma encoding the image. Act 960 can include gamma encoding the image data using an image processor. For example, fig. 2 shows a dongle in communication with laparoscope 110. The dongle can include an image processor configured to gamma encode image data received from the image processor 620.

Further, figure 9 shows that the method can comprise an act 970 of converting the image data. Act 970 can include converting the image data from RGB to YUV. For example, fig. 2 shows a dongle in communication with laparoscope 110. The dongle may include an image processor configured to convert RGB data received from the image sensor 620 into YUV data.

Additionally, for the embodiment shown in fig. 9, in at least one embodiment, instead of processing the data using an image processor disposed within dongle 120, the data can be sent from the image sensor to a mobile computing device, such as a tablet computer. In this embodiment, a tablet computer can be used to perform the necessary image processing and image display.

Fig. 10A and 10B are exploded views of another embodiment of a tip assembly 1000 configured to be positioned within and/or form the tip of a borescope tube. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip assembly 1000 is configured to be inserted into the distal end of a tube by insertion into the inner collar 1022 of the housing 1014. Of course, various alternative embodiments are contemplated, such as inserting the assembly 1000 around the exterior of the borescope tube, or otherwise coupling the assembly 1000 with the distal end of the borescope tube.

Like tip assembly 600, tip assembly 1000 may be coupled with a handle body, such as handle body 200, and will typically include a portion of a borescope that is initially inserted into a patient. The tip assembly 1000 includes one or more light sources 1010, such as LED lights, one or more image sensors 1020, and/or other medical borescope components. The light source 1010 may be manually controlled by a medical professional or may be automatically controlled by a borescope, a handle body, a dongle, and/or a processing unit within a mobile general purpose computing device, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer.

Tip assembly 1000 also includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 1040. The image sensor(s) 1020 may be directly coupled with the PCB 1040. However, the light source(s) 1010 may be spaced apart from the PCB 1040. More specifically, the light source(s) 1010 can be positioned on a spacer mount 1017, the spacer mount 1017 configured to physically separate the light source(s) 1010 from the PCB 1040 and/or to position the light source(s) 1010 closer to the distal end of the tip. In some preferred embodiments, the light source(s) 1010 may be positioned so as to be flush, or at least substantially flush, with the distal end of the housing 1014 and/or its own tip assembly 1000. This may be useful in preventing shadowing effects or otherwise producing a better image. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the light source/LED 1010 is positioned within a cavity 1019 (see fig. 10B) formed within the housing 1014. The perimeter of the housing 1014 defining the cavity 1019 can be flush with the distal end of the tip assembly 1000.

Tip assembly 1000 also includes a lens assembly 1011, a cover glass 1035, and one or more fasteners, such as fastener 1018 and fastener 1023, which can be used to secure various components of assembly 1000 in place. One or more lenses or other optical components may be positioned within a lens cavity 1012 formed within the lens assembly 1011 to provide a desired focus to the image sensor 1020. Lens assembly 1011 may be positioned within a lens receiving cavity 1015 formed within housing 1014. In some embodiments, threads, such as threads 613 in assembly 600, may be provided to allow lens assembly 1011 to move relative to housing 1014, thereby changing the spacing between image sensor 1020 and the lenses within lens assembly 1011.

Cover glass 1035 may be sealed to housing 1014 to prevent fluid from contacting lens assembly 1011 or otherwise entering tip assembly 1000, and may also serve a protective function. In the embodiment shown, the cover glass 1035 is specifically configured to cover the lens (in the lens assembly 1011) and its associated image sensor 1020, but not the light sources/LEDs 1010. This may be useful in avoiding reflected light from the light source/LED 1010 from entering the image sensor 1020 and blurring the resulting image.

The portion of the housing 1014 surrounding the light source/LED 1010 may be used to optically isolate the light source/LED 1010 from lateral exposure of light to the image sensor 1020. For example, as described above, the light source/LED 1010 is isolated from the cover glass 1035 to prevent light from being reflected into the image sensor 1020 before being reflected off of the tissue. In addition, as described above, the light source/LED is preferably provided separately from the PCB 1040 on which the image sensor 1020 may be mounted to further improve image quality. In some embodiments, the light source/LED 1010 may be positioned distally relative to the image sensor 1020, and also distally relative to the cover glass 1035. However, in other embodiments, the light source/LED 1010 may be positioned flush with the cover glass 1035, or even recessed with respect to the cover glass 1035/proximal with respect to the cover glass 1035.

Thus, the illustrated embodiment includes two transparent media physically separated from each other, one covering the lens and/or image sensor 1020 (cover glass 1035) and the other covering the light source/LED 1010. In the illustrated embodiment, the transparent medium covering the light source/LEDs 1010 may comprise an epoxy surrounding the light source/LEDs 1010. However, other embodiments are contemplated in which a separate transparent cover is positioned distal to the light source/LED 1010, such as at the distal end of the cavity 1019 that is flush with the distal end of the housing 1014. Other embodiments are also contemplated in which the light source/LEDs 1010 are sealed adjacent to the outer surface of the assembly 1000 such that a transparent light source cover is not required. However, it is preferred that no cover whatsoever be used, as previously described, extend over the light source and the lens/image sensor to avoid reflection blur.

Image sensor 1020 may include a CMOS sensor or any other image sensor available to one of ordinary skill in the art and may be configured to capture images and/or video at a variety of different resolutions including, but not limited to, 720p, 720i, 1080p, 1080i and other similar high resolution formats.

As described above, the light source/LED 1010 may be mounted to the housing 1014. In a preferred embodiment, the light source/LED 1010 may be mounted flush, or at least substantially flush, with an end of the housing 1014 (which may also coincide with an end of the assembly 1000 in some embodiments) in order to minimize light tunneling. However, in other embodiments, the light source/LED 1010 may be recessed from the distal end of the housing 1014 and/or the distal end of the assembly 1000, or may extend beyond the distal end of the housing 1014 and/or the distal end of the assembly 1000.

In some embodiments, the light source/LED 1010 and the image sensor 1020 may be coupled with the same PCB 1040. In such embodiments, it may be useful to still physically separate the light source/LED 1010 from the PCB 1040, as described above. However, in other embodiments, different PCBs may be provided for the light source/LEDs 1010 and the image sensor 1020. For example, in some embodiments, the spacer mount 1017 may also or alternatively comprise a PCB, such that the light source/LEDs 1010 and the image sensor 1020 are electrically coupled with different PCBs. In such embodiments, the standoff mounts 1017 may serve as both a PCB and a means for spacing the light source/LEDs 1010 from another PCB 1040 on which the image sensor 1020 may be positioned.

One or more of the PCBs, such as the bay mount/PCB 1017 and/or PCB 1040, may include components, such as a flash memory component 1042 or other non-volatile memory component, which may be configured to record the duration of use and/or number of uses of the device. This feature may be used to prevent or at least inhibit the use of the disposable components of the device (in some embodiments, the entire borescope device except for the dongle used for image processing) beyond a preconfigured number or duration.

Thus, for example, in some embodiments, the memory component may be configured to store periodic on/off associated with the device and may be configured to transmit a command to cause the device to become disabled or otherwise restrict use of the device upon detection of a threshold number of uses. Similarly, in other embodiments, the memory component may be configured to track and/or record the duration of time the device is operated and/or operated thereon. The device may be configured to receive a command to cause the device to become disabled, or otherwise restrict use of the device, upon detection of a threshold duration of use.

In some embodiments, the threshold may be a single use. In other words, some embodiments may be specifically configured to allow use of the device in a single procedure, and may then preclude, or at least inhibit, attempts for further use.

In alternative embodiments, the memory component may be located elsewhere within the tip assembly 1000, or elsewhere within the borescope device. In some embodiments, the tip assembly may include a smart chip, electronic counter, or time-based latch to provide an indication of time and/or duration of use. Such data may then be stored in the tip assembly, such as on a flash memory component or other non-volatile memory component on a PCB within the tip assembly.

The steps of the method for detecting a threshold number and/or duration of use and/or the steps of the method for disabling or otherwise limiting use of the device when a threshold is detected may be implemented using machine readable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine readable medium, which may be located in the tip/device or, alternatively, on a dongle or general mobile computing device.

In some embodiments, other instructions, settings, or data may alternatively or additionally be stored on PCB 1040, and/or otherwise stored in tip assembly 1000. For example, in some embodiments, zoom settings, illumination settings, image processing settings, or other similar settings or data may be stored in non-transitory memory located on the PCB 1040 and/or otherwise stored in the tip assembly 1000.

Fig. 11A and 11B illustrate a handle body 1100 of a borescope system according to an alternative embodiment. The handle body 1100 includes a distal end 1102 from which a borescope tube may extend. The handle body 1100 also includes a proximal end 1104, and one or more wires may extend from the proximal end 1104. As described above, in some embodiments, such wires may be coupled with a dongle and/or a mobile computing device.

A port 1106 at the distal end 1102 may be configured to receive a borescope tube. In some embodiments, the borescope tube may be releasably coupled with the port 1106. Alternatively, the borescope tube may be permanently secured to the handle body 1100 at the port 1106. Similarly, at the proximal end 1104, another port 1108 may be provided through which one or more wires may extend for delivering imaging data to the dongle, computing device, and/or display.

The handle body 1100 also includes a narrowed shaft 1110 adjacent the proximal end 1104 that can allow a user to confirm, by tactile or visual inspection, that the handle body 1100 is in a desired rotational orientation during surgery. Narrowed shaft 1110 also partially defines a recess 1115 on the bottom surface of handle body 1100. Recess 1115 also provides the ability to confirm that handle body 1100 is in a desired rotational orientation during surgery by tactile or visual inspection. In use, it is contemplated that the surgeon/user will grip the handle body 1100 with one or more of the user's fingers, such as most typically the little and/or ring fingers, resting within the recess 1115 during use. Accordingly, indentation 1115 and/or narrowed shaft 1110 are additional examples of means for confirming the rotational orientation of the borescope handle.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.