Endoscopic imaging system
US8157726B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/045
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A portable hand-held endoscopy system adapted for interchangeable use with a variety of endoscopes. The system includes an endoscope having a first end and a second end, the first end having an eyepiece and the second end having a viewing end, the endoscope further having a coupler for coupling to a light source; and a battery operated unitary digital camera having an optical input, viewing screen, digital signal processor, memory with embedded software for processing data from the processor and for displaying an image on the viewing screen, and a coupler having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a connector for removably connecting to the eyepiece, and the second end is coupled to the optical input of the digital camera. The video display is rotatable and pivotable about several different axes of rotation and a pivot point spaced distally from the main camera body. An ergonomic camera housing is provided, including a bulbous gripping region and two opposing forefinger accepting regions, facilitating a trigger-like grip and use of the camera by a physician. Redundant controls for moving video and still image capture facilitate ease of use by the physician …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.