Robotic endoscope with wireless interface
US7097615B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0058
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endoscope apparatus and method of operating the same. The endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope portion and a control and display unit. The endoscope portion preferably comprises: (i) a sensor disposed at a distal end of the endoscope portion and providing endoscope data; (ii) one or more electronically controlled actuators (e.g., electroactive polymer actuators) controlling the operation of the endoscope portion based on received control signals; (iii) a first wireless transceiver coupled to the sensor and the one or more electronically controlled actuators, transmitting received endoscope data from the sensor and forwarding received control signals to the one or more electronically controlled actuators; and (iv) a portable power source (e.g., a battery) coupled to the sensor, the first wireless transceiver, and the one or more electronically controller actuators. The control and display unit preferably comprises: (i) a second wireless transceiver coupled via a wireless link to the first transceiver in the endoscope portion and receiving endoscope data from the first transceiver and transmitting control signals to the first transceiver; (ii) a control portion coupled to th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.