Patent Application
20240138658
The present disclosure relates to a medical visualisation system and elements thereof. Particularly a medical visualisation system comprising an auxiliary component for a medical visualisation device, wherein image data is wirelessly transmitted between the medical visualisation device and a monitor device.
Wireless medical devices that utilize wireless communication from a medical device to a processing device is known in the art.
However, these technical solutions are not widespread as commercially available products, and particularly they are not widespread when it comes to single use products. There exists a vast spectrum of technical solutions providing a wireless communication link, but few fulfil the needs for medical devices at hospital settings.
For instance, not all communication frequencies may be used at hospitals and for medical devices, and in particular visualisation devices, such as endoscopes, very low latency is an important parameter. Moreover, usability and cost are driving factors defining suitable technical solutions.
The present disclosure relates to a visualisation device, such as an endoscope, and a visualisation system, such as an endoscope system. Particularly, but not exclusively the visualisation device may be a disposable camera endoscope. Alternatively, the visualisation device may be a video laryngoscope. The visualisation system may further comprise a monitor device for being connected to the visualisation device, e.g. the monitor device may be configured to receive image data from the visualisation device.
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a solution which at least improve the solutions of the prior art. Particularly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a medical visualisation system and components thereof to enhance flexibility and usability of the system. For example, the present disclosure provides solutions for enabling wireless transmission of video data from a medical visualisation device, such as an endoscope or a laryngoscope, to a monitor device or other suitable equipment.
Accordingly, a medical visualisation system and elements thereof are disclosed. The medical visualisation system may comprise one or more or all of the elements disclosed in the following.
A medical visualisation device is disclosed. The medical visualisation system may comprise the medical visualisation device. The medical visualisation device may completely or partly be a single-use product. The medical visualisation device may be an endoscope. For example, the medical visualisation device may comprise a handle and an insertion tube extending from the handle to a distal tube portion. The handle may comprise a control button adapted to receive an input in a first input direction and/or in a second input direction. The touch input in the first input direction may cause a bendable section of the insertion tube to bend in a first bending direction. The touch input in the second input direction may cause the bendable section to bend in a second bending direction. Other examples of the medical visualisation device may be a laryngoscope or an endotracheal tube with integrated camera.
The medical visualisation device comprises an image sensor adapted to generate image data indicative of a view from the medical visualisation device and a light emitter adapted to provide illumination of the view. The view may be a view from the distal tube portion of the insertion tube. The light emitter may be an LED, an optical fibre, or similar element known to provide illumination. The medical visualisation device further comprises a device processing unit adapted to receive the image data from the image sensor and optionally encode the image data to provide encoded image data based on the image data. The device processing unit may comprise an image signal processor (ISP), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and/or other suitable processing unit elements. The device processing unit may comprise memory, such as buffer memory.
The medical visualisation device comprises a device communication interface. For example, the medical visualisation device may comprise a device wireless communication module adapted to communicate with a monitor wireless communication module of a monitor device, such as the monitor device also disclosed herein. The device wireless communication module may be connected to the device processing unit. The device wireless communication module is adapted to receive the image data and/or the encoded image data from the device processing unit and transmit the image data and/or the encoded image data using a downstream data channel to the monitor wireless communication module.
Also disclosed is an auxiliary component. The medical visualisation system may comprise the auxiliary component. The auxiliary component may be couplable to a main device part to form the disclosed medical visualisation device, wherein the main device part comprises the image sensor and the light emitter and a main coupling part. The main device part may further comprise the handle and/or the insertion tube, as described above.
The auxiliary component may be couplable to the main device part. The auxiliary component comprises an auxiliary coupling part adapted to couple with the main coupling part. The auxiliary component further may comprise the device processing unit. The auxiliary component may further comprise one or more auxiliary communication interfaces. For example, the auxiliary component may comprise the device wireless communication module.
The main device part may be a single-use product. The auxiliary component may be a re-usable product. Hence, the auxiliary component may be adapted to be coupled to a plurality of main device parts.
The auxiliary component or part thereof may be a dongle for insertion into a designated receiver of the main device part. Alternatively or additionally, the auxiliary component or part thereof may be a wearable device, such as a wristwatch or an armband.
Also disclosed is a monitor device. The medical visualisation system may comprise the monitor device. The monitor device is operable to receive image data from a medical visualisation device, such as the disclosed medical visualisation device. The monitor device comprises a first housing. The medical visualisation system may comprise a display. The monitor device may comprise the display, e.g. accommodated in the first housing or couplable to the first housing, e.g. the display may be supported by the first housing or affixed to the first housing. Alternatively, the monitor device, such as the first housing, may be couplable to the display, e.g. the display may be an external display. For example, the monitor device may be devoid of a display. The display, whether forming part of the monitor device or not, may be a touch sensitive display.
The monitor device further comprises one or more monitor communication interfaces. For example, the monitor device may comprise a monitor wireless communication module adapted to communicate with a device wireless communication module of the medical visualisation device. The monitor wireless communication module may be adapted to receive image data and/or encoded image data using a downstream data channel from the device wireless communication module to the monitor wireless communication module.
The monitor device further comprises a monitor processing unit adapted to receive the image data and/or the encoded image data from the monitor wireless communication module, optionally decode the encoded image data, and cause the display to display a live representation of the image data. The monitor processing unit may comprise a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and/or other suitable processing unit elements. The monitor processing unit may comprise memory, such as buffer memory.
The monitor device may further comprise a monitor memory. The monitor memory may be connected to the monitor processing unit. The monitor processing unit may be adapted to read and/or write data from the monitor memory. The monitor memory may be any suitable electronic memory. The monitor memory may be non-volatile memory, such as a Flash memory.
The medical visualisation system may comprise a plurality of medical visualisation devices, e.g. comprising a first medical visualisation device and a second medical visualisation device, each of which may comprise some or all of the features as described in relation to the medical visualisation device disclosed herein. The plurality of medical visualisation devices may be different visualisation devices. In an example, the first medical visualisation device may be an endoscope comprising a flexible tube and the second medical visualisation device may be a video laryngoscope.
The plurality of medical visualisation devices may be different types, e.g. configured for different clinical purposes. For example, the first medical visualisation device may be a first device type configured for a first clinical purpose, and the second medical visualisation device may be a second device type configured for a second clinical purpose. An exemplary clinical purpose may be urology. For example, the first device type or the second device type may be a urology endoscope, such as a cystoscope or a ureteroscope. Another exemplary clinical purpose may be gastroenterology. For example, the first device type or the second device type may be a gastro-intestinal endoscope, such as a gastroscope, a duodenoscope or a colonoscope. Yet another exemplary clinical purpose may be pulmonology. For example, the first device type or the second device type may be a pulmonology endoscope, such as a bronchoscope.
The plurality of medical visualisation devices may comprise image sensors of same or different image sensor type. For example, the image sensor of the first medical visualisation device may be a first image sensor type and the image sensor of the second medical visualisation device may be a second image sensor type. Alternatively, the image sensor of the second medical visualisation device may be the first image sensor type. Alternatively or additionally, the image sensor of a third medical visualisation device may be a third image sensor type or the second image sensor type. The image sensor types may differ on various aspects, e.g. by power supply voltage, by image resolution, by physical size etc.
The auxiliary component may be couplable to the plurality of medical visualisation devices, e.g. the auxiliary component may be couplable both to the first medical visualisation device and the second medical visualisation device and/or the third medical visualisation device. Hence, for example, one auxiliary component may be couplable to a range of different medical visualisation devices.
Embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail in the following with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present disclosure and are not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.
Further details of the aspects of the disclosure, as set out above, are provided in the following. Details and/or advantages may be practiced in any embodiment and/or aspect even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.
The main part of the medical visualisation device and the auxiliary component may be couplable by a main coupling part of the main part and an auxiliary coupling part of the auxiliary component. The auxiliary coupling part may be adapted to couple with the main coupling part. The main coupling part may be adapted to couple with the auxiliary coupling part. The main coupling part may have one or more main terminals electrically connected to the light emitter and image sensor. The auxiliary coupling part may comprise one or more auxiliary terminals adapted to connect to the one or more main terminals, e.g. when the auxiliary coupling part is coupled with the main coupling part.
The device processing unit may be electrically connected to the one or more auxiliary terminals and may be adapted to receive the image data from the image sensor, e.g. via the one or more auxiliary terminals, e.g. when the auxiliary component is coupled to the main device part, such as when the auxiliary coupling part is coupled with the main coupling part.
The auxiliary component may comprise a battery, such as a rechargeable battery, e.g. a Li-Ion battery or another suitable battery. The battery may be adapted to power the device processing unit and/or the device wireless communication module. The battery may be electrically connected to the device processing unit and/or the device wireless communication module, such as to power the device processing unit and/or the device wireless communication module. The battery may be electrically connected to the one or more auxiliary terminals. The battery may be adapted to power the image sensor and light emitter of the main device part, e.g. via the one or more auxiliary terminals, e.g. when the auxiliary component is coupled to the main device part, such as when the auxiliary coupling part is coupled with the main coupling part. The battery may, when fully charged, comprise a battery capacity allowing at least 2 hours of continued usage of the medical visualisation device.
The auxiliary component may comprise a battery indicator indicative of remaining capacity of the battery. The battery indicator may be an LED or other suitable means for providing an indication of remaining battery capacity. Thus, an operator of the medical visualisation device may be alerted if battery capacity is running low. The battery indicator may comprise a plurality of bars (e.g. five) indicative of capacity of the battery, e.g. fewer bars displayed for less battery capacity. Alternatively or additionally, the battery indicator may indicate battery capacity by being lit in different colours, e.g. green (indicative of full or near full charge), yellow (medium capacity), red (low capacity). Bars and colour may be combined. For example, by the five following levels of indication, from full capacity to near empty: Five bars and green, four bars and green, three bars and yellow, two bars and yellow, one bar and red. The battery indicator may be flashing, e.g. red, when the battery capacity is below a threshold capacity.
The battery indicator may be adapted to receive a user input, e.g. a touch input, and in response to the user input, the battery indicator may provide a signal indicative of battery capacity. For example, an LED indicator may light up in a colour, e.g. green/yellow/red, indicative of estimated battery capacity.
The auxiliary component may comprise an auxiliary housing. The auxiliary housing may enclose elements of the auxiliary component, such as the device processing unit and/or the device wireless communication module and/or the battery. The auxiliary housing may be fluid-tight to the outside, e.g. such that the auxiliary component is adapted for wet cleaning, e.g. by immersion in a liquid. For example, the auxiliary housing may be surface coated with a sealing liquid, e.g. by immersion in the sealing liquid, to make the auxiliary housing fluid-tight to the outside. Alternatively or additionally, the terminals of the auxiliary component may be provided by insert moulding, whereby the conductive terminals may be provided, during moulding, in respective positions in the mould for moulding, e.g. by injection moulding, the auxiliary housing. The auxiliary housing may be IP67 compliant.
The main device part, such as the main coupling part of the main device part, may comprise a safety-circuit. The safety circuit may be adapted to prevent excessive current to elements of the main device part, such as the light emitter and/or image sensor. For example, the one or more main terminals may be electrically connected to the elements of the main device part, such as the light emitter and/or the image sensor, via the safety circuit.
The main device part, such as the main coupling part of the main device part, may comprise a device identifier comprising device identifier information, e.g. to allow identification of the main device part, e.g. including serial number, batch number, device type, etc. The device processing unit may be adapted to obtain the device identifier information from the device identifier. The device processing unit and/or the monitor processing unit may be adapted to configure the auxiliary component and/or the monitor device to be configured according to the obtained device identifier information, e.g. such as to be compatible with the main device part.
The device identifier may include an electronically readable memory, such as an EPROM, RFID, NFC or similar. In other examples the device identifier may be a QR-code, bar-code or similar. The device identifier, or the electronically readable memory of the device identifier, may be connected to the one or more main terminals. Alternatively, the device identifier may be readable without the necessity to establish an electrical contact. For example, the device identifier may be readable by means of a short-range communication circuit, such as an RFID or NFC circuit.
Providing the main device part with a safety circuit and/or a device identifier facilitates that the auxiliary component may be used with different disposable parts, e.g. gastroscopes, bronchoscopes, laryngoscopes etc.
The device wireless communication module and/or the monitor wireless communication module may be adapted to communicate wirelessly, such as to wirelessly receive and/or wirelessly transmit data, e.g. image data, encoded image data and/or other data described herein. The device wireless communication module and/or the monitor wireless communication module may be adapted to communicate using a radio frequency of more than 10 GHz, such as using a radio frequency between 57-66 GHz, such as between 57-64 GHz, such as between 57.05-64 GHz, such as between 59-64 GHz, such as between 59.4-63.56, such as between 59.4-62.9 GHz. These frequencies facilitate high bandwidth and low latency for the live images to be displayed on the display. Furthermore, the exemplary frequencies have a limited range making it advantageous to use for medical visualisation procedures, as this lowers the risk of the image data being interceptable or interfering with other procedures outside the room wherein the procedure is being performed.
The wireless communication modules may comprise an antenna. For example, the monitor wireless communication module may comprise a monitor antenna, and/or the device wireless communication module may comprise a device antenna. The image data and/or the encoded image data from the device wireless communication module may be transmitted to the monitor wireless communication module via the device antenna and the monitor antenna. It may be advantageous to ensure or promote line of sight between the device antenna and the monitor antenna. Especially for wireless communication utilizing very high radio frequencies, e.g. above 10 GHz, such as between 57-66 GHz, obstacles between transmitter and receiver has a high likelihood of influencing the data transfer. The monitor antenna may be positioned external to a housing of the monitor device, such as the first housing. The monitor antenna may be positioned at a distance from the housing, e.g. of more than 2 meters, and/or the monitor antenna may be adapted to be positioned above an operating setting, such as at the ceiling of an operating room. The monitor antenna may be positioned above the first housing. The monitor antenna may be wired to a housing of the monitor device, such as the first housing. The device antenna may be positioned external to a housing of the auxiliary component, such as the auxiliary housing. The device antenna may be positioned at a distance from the auxiliary housing, e.g. of more than 0.5 meters. The device antenna may be adapted to be positioned near or at the head of the operator, or at an upper arm of the operator. Alternatively, the device antenna may form part of the housing. Alternatively, the device antenna may be enclosed in the auxiliary housing. The auxiliary housing may be formed to allow transmission therethrough of the wireless signal between the device wireless communication module and the monitor wireless communication module. The auxiliary housing may be provided as a wearable device, i.e. the auxiliary housing and/or the device antenna may, thereby, be worn by the operator in a position that promotes line of sight with the monitor antenna. The monitor antenna and the device antenna may be positioned with line of sight there between.
The main coupling part and the auxiliary coupling part may have corresponding engagement members, for mechanically coupling the main coupling part and the auxiliary coupling part. The auxiliary coupling part may be engaging mechanical coupling with the main coupling part by displacing the auxiliary coupling part along an engagement direction. The auxiliary coupling part may be disengaging mechanical coupling with the main coupling part by displacing the auxiliary coupling part along a disengagement direction. The disengagement direction may be opposite the engagement direction. Alternatively, the disengagement direction may be perpendicular to the engagement direction.
The main coupling part may have a main primary engagement member. The main coupling part may have a main surface with the main primary engagement member. Alternatively or additionally, the main coupling part may comprise a primary surface accommodating exposed portions of the one or more main terminals. The primary surface may be substantially perpendicular to the main surface. The auxiliary coupling part may have an auxiliary primary engagement member adapted to engage with the main primary engagement member of the main coupling part, e.g. to restrict movement of the auxiliary primary engagement member along the main surface and/or perpendicular to the primary surface. The main primary engagement member may be a recess or a protrusion. The auxiliary primary engagement member may be a recess or a protrusion. The auxiliary primary engagement member may be opposite the main primary engagement member. For example, the auxiliary primary engagement member may be a recess and the main primary engagement member may be a protrusion. Alternatively, the auxiliary primary engagement member may be a protrusion and the main primary engagement member may be a recess.
The auxiliary coupling part may have a secondary surface accommodating exposed portions of the one or more auxiliary terminals adapted to contact the exposed portions of the one or more main terminals, when the main coupling part and the auxiliary coupling part are coupled.
The main coupling part may have a main secondary engagement member. The primary surface may be between the main primary engagement member and the main secondary engagement member. The auxiliary coupling part may have an auxiliary secondary engagement member. The auxiliary secondary engagement member may be adapted to engage with the main secondary engagement member of the main coupling part, e.g. to restrict movement of the auxiliary secondary engagement member perpendicular to the main surface and/or along the primary surface.
The monitor device may comprise a component socket. The component socket may be adapted to engage with the auxiliary component. The component socket may be adapted to store the auxiliary component. The component socket may be adapted to charge the auxiliary component. The component socket may be adapted to pair the monitor device and the auxiliary component, e.g. to pair the monitor wireless communication module and the device wireless communication module. The component socket may comprise one or more monitor terminals. The one or more monitor terminals may comprise one or more charging terminals and/or one or more pairing terminals. The one or more monitor terminals, such as the one or more charging terminals and/or the one or more pairing terminals, may be exposed terminals. The one or more monitor terminals, such as the one or more charging terminals and/or the one or more pairing terminals, may be adapted to contact corresponding (e.g. exposed) terminals of the auxiliary component.
Providing the monitor device with a component socket adapted to engage with the auxiliary component, the auxiliary component may be provided in a convenient position for when it is to be used. Risk of battery being too low to perform a procedure may be reduced as the auxiliary component may be recharged when positioned in the component socket for storing. Also, the auxiliary component may be paired with the monitor device, thereby ensuring that the wireless transmission of the video signal is received by the intended monitor device, and the user is intuitively made aware of the monitor device on which the signal can be expected to be received.
The monitor device may comprise a monitor charging circuit. The monitor charging circuit may be adapted to charge the battery of the auxiliary component, e.g. when the auxiliary component is engaged with the component socket. The monitor charging circuit may comprise the charging terminals. The charging terminals may be adapted to contact corresponding charging terminals of the auxiliary component. The one or more auxiliary terminals, as described above, may comprise the charging terminals of the auxiliary component. The monitor charging circuit may comprise one or more inductive charging coils. The one or more inductive charging coils may be adapted to inductively transfer power to one or more inductive receiver coils of the auxiliary component. Inductively charging the battery of the auxiliary component facilitates a more water and/or ingress resistant device, as the housing of the auxiliary component may be made without the need for throughgoing electrical connections.
The monitor device and/or the auxiliary component, such as the monitor processing unit and/or the device processing unit, may be adapted to pair the device wireless communication module and the monitor wireless communication module when the auxiliary component is engaged with the component socket. For example, upon engagement of the auxiliary component with the component socket the device processing unit and/or the monitor processing unit cause the device wireless communication module and the monitor wireless communication module to exchange information to setup a data link for subsequent data transfer, e.g. including information regarding communication channel for the data link, identification details of the respective devices, etc. The component socket may comprise the pairing terminals. The pairing terminals may be adapted to contact corresponding pairing terminals of the auxiliary component. For example, upon contact between the pairing terminals, the device wireless communication module and the monitor wireless communication module may be paired, e.g. the device processing unit and/or the monitor processing unit may cause the device wireless communication module and the monitor wireless communication module to exchange information to setup the data link for subsequent data transfer, e.g. including information regarding communication channel for the data link, identification details of the respective devices, etc. The one or more auxiliary terminals, as described above, may comprise the pairing terminals of the auxiliary component. The monitor device may comprise a short-range pairing circuit (e.g. utilizing NFC, Bluetooth Low Energy, or similar technology). The short-range pairing circuit may be adapted to wirelessly communicate with a corresponding short range pairing circuit of the auxiliary component.
Alternatively, the monitor device and the auxiliary component may comprise a button for a user to activate a pairing sequence. For example, the user may press the pairing button on the monitor device and on the auxiliary component, and in response thereto the device processing unit and the monitor processing unit cause the device wireless communication module and the monitor wireless communication module to exchange information to setup a data link for subsequent data transfer, e.g. including information regarding communication channel for the data link, identification details of the respective devices, etc. Thus, pairing of the monitor device and the auxiliary component may be performed without the need for the monitor device comprising the component socket.
The monitor device may comprise a monitor coupling part. The monitor coupling part may be adapted to couple with the main coupling part of the main device part. Thus, the monitor coupling part may facilitate a direct connection between the monitor device and the main device part. Providing a backup solution in case wireless transmission between the medical visualisation device, e.g. via the auxiliary component, and the monitor device is not working.
The monitor coupling part may comprise one or more monitor terminals. The one or more monitor terminals may be adapted to connect to the one or more main terminals of the main coupling part, e.g. when the monitor coupling part is coupled with the main coupling part. The monitor processing unit may be electrically connected to the one or more monitor terminals. The monitor processing unit may be adapted to receive the image data from the image sensor, e.g. via the monitor coupling part being coupled with the main coupling part and cause the display to display a live representation of the image data.
The monitor coupling part may comprise one or more flexible monitor wires. The monitor terminals may be arranged at a distal end of the one or more flexible monitor wires. A housing of the monitor device may be arranged at a proximal end of the one or more flexible monitor wires. Alternatively, a coupling plug for coupling with a coupling socket of the monitor device may be arranged at the proximal end of the one or more flexible monitor wires. Accordingly, the monitor device may comprise a coupling socket for receiving the coupling plug. The one or more monitor terminals may be electrically connected to the monitor processing unit through the one or more flexible monitor wires. One or more elements of the monitor coupling part, e.g. the one or more flexible monitor wires and/or the monitor terminals, may be enclosed in a sealed package. A coupling plug, as described above, may be coupled to the proximal end of the one or more flexible monitor wires and be arranged outside the sealed package.
The monitor processing unit may be adapted to perform an electronic analysis of the monitor coupling part, e.g. at predetermined intervals. The electronic analysis of the monitor coupling part may be performed in a manner known in the art. In accordance with registering a non-working condition of the monitor coupling part or of elements of the monitor coupling part, the monitor processing unit may activate a warning indication to prompt the user to replace the monitor coupling part. This may be especially advantageous when the monitor coupling part comprises electronic components that may fail and in particular in examples where elements of the monitor coupling part is enclosed in a sealed package, e.g. for single use. For example, if one or more of the components within the sealed package is not properly working, the monitor device may prompt replacement thereof.
The main device part may comprise one or more flexible device wires. The one or more flexible device wires may extend between the main coupling part and the handle of the main device part. The one or more main terminals may be electrically connected to the light emitter and the image sensor through the one or more flexible device wires. Providing flexible device wires as part of the main device part allows the auxiliary component to be positioned at a greater distance from the patient, e.g. on an upper arm of the operator, thereby decreasing the risk of contaminating the auxiliary component, which may be a reusable device.
The term “flexible” with respect to wires may mean that a user is able to bend the wires, without damaging the wires, such as to position the respective coupling parts appropriately for attachment.
Particularly, in examples where the main coupling part may be repositioned relative to the handle of the main device part, e.g. by being coupled with flexible device wires, electronic components of the main device part, such as the safety circuit and/or the device identifier, may advantageously be provided in the main coupling part, such as to lower the weight of the handle.
The auxiliary component may comprise a secondary auxiliary coupling part having one or more secondary auxiliary terminals, e.g. electrically connected to the device processing unit and/or the one or more auxiliary terminals of the auxiliary coupling part previously described. The monitor coupling part may be adapted to couple with the secondary auxiliary coupling part. The one or more monitor terminals may be adapted to connect to the one or more secondary auxiliary terminals of the secondary auxiliary coupling part. The monitor processing unit may be adapted to, e.g. when the monitor coupling part is coupled with the secondary auxiliary coupling part, receive the image data and/or the encoded image data from the auxiliary component, e.g. via the secondary auxiliary coupling part and the monitor coupling part. The monitor processing unit may receive the image data and/or the encoded image data from the device processing unit and/or from the image sensor, e.g. via the auxiliary coupling part.
Various exemplary embodiments and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.
The medical visualisation device 100 comprises a handle 118, and, in the illustrated example, the medical visualisation device 100 comprises an insertion tube 120 extending from the handle 118 to a distal tube portion 122. The handle may, as illustrated, comprise a control button 124 and the insertion tube 120 may comprise a bendable section 126. The control button 124 is adapted to receive an input in a first input direction 125A and in a second input direction 1268. The bendable section 126 is adapted to bend accordingly in a first bending direction 128A and a second bending direction 1288. A touch input in the first input direction 125A causes the bendable section 126 to bend in the first bending direction 128A. A touch input in the second input direction 1258 causes the bendable section 126 to bend in the second bending direction 1288.
The medical visualisation device 100 has an image sensor adapted to generate image data indicative of a view 114 from the visualisation device. As illustrated, the view 114 from the visualisation device 100 may be from the distal tube portion 122 of the insertion tube 120. The medical visualisation device 100 further comprises a light emitter adapted to provide illumination of the view 114.
The medical visualisation device 100 and the monitor device 200 are adapted to communicate wirelessly. For example, the medical visualisation device 100 is adapted to transmit image data using a downstream data channel from the medical visualisation device 100 to the monitor device 200. Alternatively or additionally, the medical visualisation device may be adapted to receive settings data using an upstream data channel from the monitor device 200 to the medical visualisation device 100.
The monitor device 200 comprises a first housing 202. In the illustrated example, the monitor device 200 further comprises a display 204 accommodated in the first housing 202. In alternative examples, the monitor device 200, such as the first housing 202 of the monitor device 200, may be coupled to an external display (see
The monitor device 200 may be adapted to wirelessly communicate with the medical visualisation device 100. For example, the monitor device 200 may be adapted to receive image data using the downstream data channel from the medical visualisation device 100 to the monitor device 200. The monitor device 200 may further be adapted to transmit settings data using an upstream data channel from the monitor device 200 to the medical visualisation device 100. Such settings data may, for example, be used to adjust brightness of the light emitter or control colour, contrast, gain and/or exposure settings of the image sensor. These settings may be adaptively adjusted based on the received image data, e.g. to adjust under/over exposure or similar.
The medical visualisation system 2 may be operable to store an image data file and/or a video sequence file in response to receipt of a user input signal indicative of a user activating an image capture button 119, 212. The image capture button may be a device button 119 on the medical visualisation device 100, and/or a monitor button 212 on the monitor device 200, e.g. a soft button displayed on the display 204.
The monitor device 200′ may be adapted to wirelessly communicate with the medical visualisation device 100. For example, the monitor device 200′ may be adapted to receive image data using the downstream data channel from the medical visualisation device 100 to the monitor device 200′. The monitor device 200′ may further be adapted to transmit settings data using an upstream data channel from the monitor device 200′ to the medical visualisation device 100.
It is emphasized that the monitor device 200, as illustrated in the following examples may be substituted by the monitor device 200′, as illustrated in
The medical visualisation device 100 of
The auxiliary component 150 may be adapted to be used multiple times, e.g. being reusable, while the man device part 110 may be configured as a single-use product, e.g. being disposable. By providing electronic components in a reusable component while the main device part being in direct contact with the patient being disposable, valuable resources may be preserved and costs may be lowered, while observing increased patient safety and reduced risk of cross contamination.
The auxiliary component 150 comprises an auxiliary housing. The auxiliary housing 152 may be fluid-tight to the outside such that the auxiliary component 150 is adapted for wet cleaning, e.g. by immersion in a liquid. For example, the auxiliary housing 152 may be surface coated with a sealing liquid, e.g. by immersion in the sealing liquid, to make the auxiliary housing 152 fluid-tight. Alternatively or additionally, terminals of the auxiliary component 150 may be provided by insert moulding.
The main device part 110 comprises a main coupling part 130. The auxiliary component 150 comprises an auxiliary coupling part 170. The auxiliary coupling part 170 and the main coupling part 150 are adapted to be coupled. The main coupling part 130 is adapted to couple with the auxiliary coupling part 170. The auxiliary coupling part 170 is adapted to couple with the main coupling part 130.
The main coupling part 130 comprises one or more main terminals 132. The one or more main terminals 132 may be electrically connected to a light emitter and an image sensor of the main device part 110.
The auxiliary coupling part 170 comprises one or more auxiliary terminals 172. The one or more auxiliary terminals 172 and the one or more main terminals 132 are adapted to connect, when the auxiliary coupling part 170 is coupled with the main coupling part 130. The one or more auxiliary terminals 172 are adapted to connect to the one or more main terminals 132. The one or more main terminals 132 are adapted to connect to the one or more auxiliary terminals 172.
The main coupling part 130 has a main surface 140 with a main primary engagement member 142. The main primary engagement member 142 may be a recess, as illustrated. Alternatively, the main primary engagement member 142 may be a protrusion. The main primary engagement member 142 may be another suitable engagement member.
The auxiliary coupling part 170 has an auxiliary primary engagement member 182 adapted to engage with the main primary engagement member 142, such as to restrict movement of the auxiliary primary engagement member 182 along the main surface 140. For example, the auxiliary primary engagement member 182 may be a cooperating member of the main primary engagement member 142. For example, the auxiliary primary engagement member 182 may be a protrusion, as illustrated. Alternatively, the auxiliary primary engagement member 182 may be a recess. The auxiliary primary engagement member 182 may be another suitable engagement member.
The main coupling part 130 comprise a primary surface 146. The primary surface 146 accommodates exposed portions of the one or more main terminals 132. The primary surface 146 may be substantially perpendicular to the main surface 140, as illustrated.
The main coupling part 130 may have a main secondary engagement member, and the auxiliary coupling part may have an auxiliary secondary engagement member adapted to engage with the main secondary engagement member, such as to restrict movement of the auxiliary secondary engagement member perpendicular to the main surface 140. The primary surface 146 may be between the main primary engagement member 142 and the main secondary engagement member.
The medical visualisation system 2 comprises an exemplary medical visualisation device 100, such as the medical visualisation device 100 as described with respect to previous figures, and an exemplary monitor device 200, such as the monitor device 200 as described with respect to previous figures.
The medical visualisation device 100, as the medical visualisation device 100 of
The main device part 110 comprises an image sensor 112 adapted to generate image data indicative of a view from the main device part 110, a light emitter 116 adapted to provide illumination of the view, and a main coupling part 130 having one or more main terminals 132 electrically connected to the light emitter 116 and the image sensor 112. The main device part 110 may further comprise a safety circuit 134 and a device identifier 136.
The device identifier 136 may comprise device identifier information, such as serial number of the main device part 110, which may uniquely identify the main device part 110. Also, the device identifier information may be indicative of the type of visualisation device, e.g. whether the medical visualisation device 100 and/or the main device part 110 is a bronchoscope or a laryngoscope. Alternatively or additionally, the device identifier information may be indicative of the brand of the visualisation device, production version, batch number etc.
The device identifier 136 may include an electronically readable memory, such as an EPROM, RFID, NFC or similar. In other examples the device identifier may be a QR-code, bar-code or similar. The device identifier 136 may be connected to the one or more main terminals 132, as illustrated. However, in other exemplary medical visualisation devices, the device identifier 136 may be readable without the necessity to establish an electrical contact. For example, the device identifier 136 may be readable by means of a short-range communication circuit, such as an RFID or NFC circuit. In other exemplary medical visualisation devices, the device identifier 136 may be optically read, e.g. wherein the device identifier is a QR-code or bar code.
The auxiliary component 150 comprises an auxiliary coupling part 170 adapted to couple with the main coupling part 130. The auxiliary coupling part 170 comprises one or more auxiliary terminals 172 adapted to connect to the one or more main terminals 132 of the main coupling part 130, when the auxiliary coupling part 170 is coupled with the main coupling part 130.
The auxiliary component 150 comprises a device processing unit 154 and a device wireless communication module 156. The auxiliary component 150 may further comprise an auxiliary memory 155, such as a flash memory or other suitable electronic memory. The device processing unit 154 may be adapted to read and/or write to/from the auxiliary memory 155. The auxiliary component 150 may further comprise a battery 160, as illustrated. The battery 160 may be a rechargeable battery.
The device processing unit 154 is electrically connected to the one or more auxiliary terminals 172 and adapted to receive the image data from the image sensor 112, when the auxiliary component 150 is coupled to the main device part 110. The device processing unit 154 may further be adapted to encode the image data to provide encoded image data based on the image data and transmit the image data and/or the encoded image data to the device wireless communication module 156, for wireless transmission to the monitor device 200. For example, the device processing unit 154 may encode the image data in accordance with a wireless video transmission protocol.
The device wireless communication module 156 is connected to the device processing unit 154 and adapted to communicate with a monitor wireless communication module 206 of the monitor device 200. The device wireless communication module 156 is adapted to receive the image data and/or the encoded image data from the device processing unit 154 and transmit the image data and/or the encoded image data using a downstream data channel 4 to the monitor wireless communication module.
The device processing 154 unit may be adapted to obtain the device identifier information from the device identifier 136, e.g. via the one or more auxiliary terminals 172 and one or more main terminals 132.
The battery 160 is adapted to power the medical visualisation device 100. The battery 160 is adapted to power the electronic elements of the auxiliary component 150, such as the device processing unit 154 and/or the device wireless communication module. For example, the battery 160 may be connected to the electronic components of the auxiliary component 150, e.g. the device processing unit 154 and/or the device wireless communication module. The battery 160 is electrically connected to the one or more auxiliary terminals 172, such as to power the main device part 110 and/or the electronic elements thereof, when the auxiliary component 150 is coupled to the main device part 110, such as when the main coupling part 130 is coupled with the auxiliary coupling part 170. For example, the battery 160 may be adapted to power the image sensor 112 and light emitter 114 of the main device part 110. The battery 160 may be adapted to power the device identifier 136.
The safety circuit 134 may be adapted to prevent excessive current to the elements of the main device part 110, such as the light emitter 116, the image sensor 112 and/or the device identifier 136. For example, the one or more main terminals 132 may be electrically connected to the light emitter 116, the image sensor 112 and/or the device identifier 136 via the safety circuit. Thereby, the elements of the main device part 110 may be protected, in case an auxiliary component able to power another, more power consumptive, device part, is coupled to the main device part 110.
The monitor device 200 comprises the monitor wireless communication module 206 and a monitor processing unit 208. The monitor device 200 may comprise a monitor memory 210, such as a Flash memory or other suitable electronic memory.
The monitor device 200 may further comprise a display 204, as illustrated. In an alternative example, such as exemplified for the monitor device 200′ in
The monitor wireless communication module 206 is adapted to communicate with the device wireless communication module 156. The monitor wireless communication module 206 is adapted to receive image data and/or encoded image data using the downstream data channel 4 from the device wireless communication module 156 to the monitor wireless communication module 206. The monitor wireless communication module 206 may further be adapted to transmit the received image data and/or encoded image data to the monitor processing unit 208.
The monitor processing unit 208 is adapted to receive the image data and/or the encoded image data from the monitor wireless communication module 206. The monitor processing unit 208 may further be adapted to decode the encoded image data. The monitor processing unit 208 may be adapted to cause the display 204 to display a live representation of the image data.
The monitor wireless communication module 206 may further be adapted to transmit settings data using an upstream data channel 6 from the monitor wireless communication module 206 to the device wireless communication module 156. The device wireless communication module 156 is adapted to receive settings data using the upstream data channel 6.
The monitor processing unit 208 may be adapted to generate and/or provide the settings data to the monitor wireless communication module 206 for transmission to the medical visualisation device. For example, the monitor processing unit 208 may generate the settings data based on the image data, e.g. to adjust settings of one or more components of the medical visualisation device 100, e.g. the light emitter 116 and/or the image sensor 112. The device processing unit 154 may be adapted to receive the settings data from the device wireless communication module 156 and adjust settings of one or more components of the medical visualisation device 100 based on the settings data. For example, the settings data may be indicative of adjustment of the image sensor, e.g. including colour, contrast, gain, and/or exposure settings. Alternatively or additionally, the settings data may be indicative of adjustment of the light emitter, e.g. including current, brightness, and/or PWM settings. By utilizing the upstream data channel 6 to transmit settings data, the monitor processing unit 208 may process the image data received and continuously adjust settings of the light emitter 116 and/or image sensor 112, to enhance the image quality. Thereby, the heavier computational image analysis may be performed in the monitor device 200, allowing the medical visualisation device 100 to draw less power, needing less battery capacity and effectively allowing the medical visualisation device to be lighter and more compact.
The wireless communication between the medical visualisation device 100 and the monitor device 200 may be established by activation of a pairing sequence, e.g. by the user pressing a pairing button on the monitor device 200 and on the medical visualisation device 100. In response to activation of the pairing sequence, the device processing unit 154 and the monitor processing unit 208 cause the device wireless communication module 156 and the monitor wireless communication module 206 to exchange information to setup a data link for subsequent data transfer, e.g. including information regarding communication channel for the data link, identification details of the respective devices, etc.
After establishing the data link, an initialisation sequence may be performed. Alternatively, the initialisation sequence may be performed in response to the auxiliary component 150 and the main device part 110 being coupled. The initialisation sequence may include that the monitor processing unit 208 receives device identifier information from the device identifier 136. Based on the device identifier information, the monitor processing unit 208 is able to process the image data received from the medical visualisation device 100. Based on the device identifier information, the monitor processing unit 208 may generate and/or provide initial settings data to the monitor wireless communication module 206 for transmission to the medical visualisation device 100, such as to the device processing unit 154, which may adjust settings of one or more components of the medical visualisation device 100 based on the initial settings data. Thereby, the settings of the one or more components may be set to a default or initial value, which may be dependent on various information related to the specific device, i.e. based on the device identifier information. Similar to the settings data, explained above, the initial settings data may be indicative of adjustment of the image sensor, e.g. including colour, contrast, gain, and/or exposure settings. Alternatively or additionally, the initial settings data, like the settings data, may be indicative of adjustment of the light emitter, e.g. including current, brightness, and/or PWM settings.
The initialisation sequence may further include that a designated user interface is loaded on the monitor device 200. For example, a designated user interface may be loaded based on the device identifier information, e.g. depending on whether the medical visualisation device 100 and/or the main device part 110 is a bronchoscope, a laryngoscope, or another visualisation device.
Further,
The monitor wireless communication module 206 may further be adapted to transmit settings data using an upstream data channel from the monitor wireless communication module 206 to the second medical visualisation device 100′, such as to a device wireless communication module of the second medical visualisation device, as similarly described with respect to the medical visualisation device 100.
The monitor wireless communication module of the monitor device 200 comprises a monitor antenna 207, and the device wireless communication module of the medical visualisation device 100 comprises a device antenna 158. Here the device antenna 158 is shown for the purpose of illustration, alternatively, the device antenna 158 may be positioned inside a housing of the medical visualisation device 100.
The image data from the medical visualisation device 100 is transmitted to the monitor device by wireless communication via the device antenna 158 and the monitor antenna 207. To ensure constant wireless transfer of the image data, it may be advantageous to ensure or promote line of sight between the device antenna 158 and the monitor antenna 207. Therefore, the monitor antenna 207 is positioned external to a housing of the monitor 200. The monitor antenna 207 may be positioned at a distance from the housing, e.g. of more than 2 meters. The monitor antenna 207 may be adapted to be positioned above the operating setting 302, such as at the ceiling 304 of the operating room 300, as illustrated.
The battery indicator 402, 402′ may be an LED or other suitable means for providing an indication of remaining battery capacity.
As indicated in
As indicated in
The battery indicator 402, 402′ may be a button adapted to receive a user input. For example, the user may press the battery indicator 402, 402′, and the auxiliary device may be adapted to, in response to receiving the user input on the battery indicator 402, 402′ to indicate the present battery capacity. For example, the battery indicator 402 may, in response to receiving the user input, light up the battery indicator 402 in accordance with the current battery capacity. The battery indicator 402′ may, in response to receiving the user input on the battery indicator 402, display the plurality of bars in accordance with the current battery capacity. Thus, battery power may be conserved by displaying the indication of battery capacity “on demand” when a user presses the battery indicator 402, 402′. Alternatively or additionally, when the battery capacity is critically low, the battery indicator 402, 402′ may indicate battery capacity, e.g. by flashing red, e.g. regardless of receiving or not receiving user input. The battery indicator 402′ may be provided using an e-ink display, e.g. such that the battery indicator 402′ only uses power when updating the display, e.g. once every day when not being used.
Although the battery indicator 402, 402′ is illustrated as being provided on top of the auxiliary device 150, it should be understood that it may be positioned at other convenient positions, depending on the circumstances.
The monitor device 200 comprises a component socket 422 adapted to engage with the auxiliary component 150. For example, the component socket 422 may be adapted to store and/or charge the auxiliary component 150. The component socket 422 may also or alternatively be adapted to pair the wireless communication modules of the monitor device 200 and the auxiliary component 150. The component socket 422 may comprise one or more monitor terminals 423, which may comprise charging terminals and/or pairing terminals.
As previously described, the monitor device 200 comprises a monitor processing unit 208 and a monitor wireless communication module 206. The monitor device 200 may additionally comprise other elements previously described which for simplicity are omitted from the examples of
The auxiliary component 150 comprises a device processing unit 154 and a device wireless communication module 156. The auxiliary component 150 may additionally comprise other elements which for simplicity are omitted from the example of
The device wireless communication module 156 is connected to the device processing unit 154 and adapted to communicate with the monitor wireless communication module 206 of the monitor device 200.
The monitor device 200 comprises a component socket 422 adapted to engage with the auxiliary component 150, such as with the auxiliary coupling part 170 of the auxiliary component 150, as described in relation to the previous figures.
In the example of
The monitor device 200 comprises a monitor charging circuit 424 adapted to charge the battery 160 of the auxiliary component 150, when the auxiliary component 150 is engaged with the component socket 422. For example, as illustrated in
The monitor processing unit 208 may be adapted to pair the device wireless communication module 206 with the monitor wireless communication module 156 when the auxiliary component 150 is engaged with the component socket 422. For example, as illustrated in
The monitor coupling part 450 comprises one or more monitor terminals 452. The monitor terminal(s) 452 is adapted to connect to the main terminal(s) 132 of the main coupling part 130, when the monitor coupling part 450 is coupled with the main coupling part 130. The monitor processing unit may be electrically connected to the one or more monitor terminal(s) 452. Furthermore, the monitor processing unit may be adapted to receive the image data, via the monitor coupling part 450, from the image sensor of the medical visualisation device 100 and cause the display 204 to display a live representation of the image data.
The monitor device 200, such as the monitor coupling part 450, may comprise one or more flexible monitor wires 458. The monitor terminal(s) 452 is arranged at a distal end 460 of the one or more flexible monitor wires 458. A housing of the monitor device 200, such as the first housing 202, is arranged at the proximal end 462 of the flexible monitor wire(s) 458. A coupling plug (not shown) may be coupled to the proximal end of the flexible monitor wire(s) 458 for coupling the flexible monitor wire(s) 458 to the housing of the monitor device 200. The monitor terminal(s) 452 is electrically connected to the monitor processing unit through the one or more flexible monitor wires 458. The flexible monitor wire(s) 458 may be flexible to enable a user to bend the wires, such as to arrange the monitor coupling part appropriately to attach to the main coupling part.
The monitor coupling part 450 may have a monitor primary engagement member 454 adapted to engage with the main primary engagement member of the main coupling part. The monitor primary engagement member 454 may be a cooperating member of the main primary engagement member, such as a protrusion, as illustrated, or a recess, or another suitable engagement member.
The auxiliary coupling part 170 of the auxiliary component 150, adapted to couple with the main coupling part 130 of the main device part 110, may be similar to a coupling socket 468 of a monitor device 200 (see
Alternatively or additionally, the auxiliary component 150 may comprise a secondary auxiliary coupling part 610 having one or more secondary auxiliary terminals 612, e.g. electrically connected to the device processing unit and/or the one or more auxiliary terminals of the auxiliary coupling part 170. The secondary auxiliary coupling part 610 may provide for an alternative or additional wired coupling with the monitor device in case the wireless connection fails. For example, as illustrated in
As with the monitor coupling part described in relation to
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are set out in the following items:
The disclosure has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and alterations and modifications can be carried out without deviating from the scope of the invention.
Throughout the description, the use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not imply any particular order or importance but are included to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA 2021 70101 | Mar 2021 | DK | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/055136 | 3/1/2022 | WO |
