Patent Description:
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.

A video-based endoscope and system are described that allow for examination of a patient's airway to facilitate placement of endotracheal devices (e.g., an endotracheal tube, etc.), delivery of medicine, etc. The system employs video endoscope embodiments that include a flexible tip that is controlled by manipulating a control lever in a handle of the endoscope device. Consistent with implementations described herein, the video endoscope includes a number of components for ensuring accurate and reproducible positioning of the flexible tip. The endoscope further includes a mechanism for engaging the outside diameter on the proximal side of an endotracheal tube concentrically positioned about the endoscope shaft at an initial position proximate the endoscope handle. The endotracheal tube may then be deployed into the patient's airway following the endoscope shaft following accurate placement of the endoscope.

The tip further includes video capture components that capture video and/or images and transmit the video to a remote video monitoring viewable by the user. In addition, the described video endoscope further includes a working channel that facilitates application of negative pressure (suction) and/or delivery of fluid and/or other devices into the airway.

Embodiments of the endoscope described herein include both single-use (i.e., disposable) and reusable endoscopes that include image capturing and lighting elements. During and after insertion of the endoscope into the patient's airway, images obtained from the image capturing elements are conveyed to a video monitor viewable by the endoscope user via a data cable.

Consistent with embodiments described herein, the endoscope, the data cable, and the remote video monitor may each include logic components configured to enable image data to be exchanged between the image capturing element and the video monitor in an efficient and optimized manner.

In exemplary embodiments, the endoscope may include logical components for authenticating the endoscope with other components in the system (e.g., the video monitor and/or data cable) and logging use of the endoscope (e.g., number of times used, dates/times, etc), and for negotiating between components in the endoscope system (e.g., between the endoscope and the video monitor) to determine which component has the most up-to-date software, which may include optimized camera settings and other instructions relevant to the particular endoscope (e.g., based on size, capabilities, age, etc.).

In one exemplary embodiment relating to single-use endoscopes, one or more components of the image capturing element may be included within the data cable, thus rendering the remaining image capturing components in the endoscope less expensive, which is particularly advantageous for a single use device. In such an embodiment, the data cable may include one or more logical components configured to identify when an endoscope has been connected, which endoscope type/size has been connected, and to negotiate with the endoscope and the video monitor to determine which component has a most up-to-date software, which may include optimized camera settings and other instructions relevant to the identified endoscope.

In other embodiments, such as reusable endoscopes, one or more of the logical components of the data cable described above may be integrated within the endoscope and negotiation/communication may take place directly between the endoscope and the video monitor.

<FIG> illustrates a video endoscope system <NUM> consistent with implementations described herein. As shown, video endoscope system <NUM> comprises an endoscope <NUM>, a data cable <NUM>, and a video monitor <NUM>. <FIG> is an exploded front perspective view of a single-use endoscope <NUM> configured in accordance with embodiments described herein. <FIG> is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handle portion of single-use endoscope <NUM>. <FIG> is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the handle portion illustrating an opposite view than that shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, endoscope <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> and a shaft <NUM>. Shaft <NUM> couples with and projects longitudinally from handle <NUM>. As described in additional detail below, handle <NUM> may be formed of two similarly sized halves, referred to as a right shell <NUM> (interior features of which are shown in <FIG>) and a left shell <NUM> ((interior features of which are shown in <FIG>), which snap or otherwise connect together along a longitudinal center line of handle <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. When assembled, handle <NUM> includes, among other things, a grip portion <NUM>, a control lever <NUM>, a suction valve assembly <NUM>, an access port assembly <NUM>, control wheel assembly <NUM>, and a data interface assembly <NUM>. Shaft <NUM> includes a distal end <NUM>, an intermediate portion <NUM>, and a proximal end <NUM> relative to handle portion <NUM>. Distal end <NUM> includes a flexible tip <NUM> and proximal end <NUM> includes a tube engagement portion <NUM>. Consistent with implementations described herein, dimensions of shaft <NUM> (e.g., length, outside diameter, and inside diameter) may vary based on an intended use of endoscope <NUM>, such as intended procedures, patient size, etc..

During use, flexible tip <NUM> of endoscope <NUM> is introduced into the body cavity being inspected (such as the patient's mouth). A camera module and light source module (described below) are provided at distal end <NUM> of shaft <NUM> so as to capture and transmit images of the distal end <NUM> and corresponding patient anatomy to video monitor <NUM> via data cable <NUM>.

As described briefly above, in some embodiments data cable <NUM> may include one or more components of the image capturing element, such as a serializer component. In such an embodiment, the data cable <NUM> may further include one or more logical components configured to identify when an endoscope has been connected, which endoscope has been connected, and to negotiate with video monitor <NUM> to determine which of the data cable <NUM> and the video monitor <NUM> have the most up-to-date camera settings for use during image capture. In such a single-use embodiment, the combination of the data cable <NUM> and the endoscope <NUM> may together perform functions corresponding to a reusable endoscope.

Video monitor <NUM> may provide power to and initiate image capture from endoscope <NUM> via data cable <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, video monitor <NUM> may include a display <NUM>, and a control pad <NUM>. Practitioners (e.g., medical personnel) may interface with video monitor <NUM> during use to initiate image capture, freeze a particular frame, or adjust certain limited settings. Although not shown in the Figures, video monitor <NUM> may also include a data cable interface for receiving an end of data cable <NUM>, a battery or other power source, and a remote monitor interface for enabling the view of display <NUM> to be transmitted to one or more other display monitors.

Consistent with embodiments described herein, shaft <NUM> may be formed of a number of discrete components. In particular, proximal and intermediate portions <NUM>/<NUM> of shaft <NUM> may be formed of a braided, semi-rigid polymer material having a single lumen therethrough, sized to accommodate the internal components described below. Flexible tip <NUM>, in contrast, may be formed of an extruded polymer material profile formed to include three distinct lumens and cut to provide single-plane flexibility.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional end view of flexible tip <NUM> portion of endoscope shaft <NUM> consistent with implementations described herein. As shown, flexible tip <NUM> includes an outer wall <NUM>, a main lumen <NUM>, and two pull wire lumens <NUM>. Main lumen <NUM> is sized to accommodate the internal components of shaft <NUM>, which include a working channel <NUM> (<FIG>/<FIG>) and any wiring necessary for the operation of camera module <NUM> (<FIG>) and light source module <NUM> (<FIG>). Pull wire lumens <NUM> are formed on opposite sides of flexible tip <NUM> (i.e., <NUM>° apart) so as to form a plane of deflection and are each sized to accommodate a respective pull wire <NUM>/<NUM> (<FIG>).

<FIG> and <FIG> are isometric views of distal end <NUM> of endoscope shaft <NUM> in partially assembled and assembled configurations, respectively. As shown, distal end <NUM> includes flexible tip <NUM>, an image capturing sub-assembly <NUM>, and coupling rings <NUM>.

In addition to lumens <NUM>/<NUM> described above, flexible tip <NUM> further includes a pair of opposing (i.e., <NUM>° apart) longitudinally spaced webs <NUM>. In addition to being positioned <NUM>° relative to each other, each web <NUM> is further positioned <NUM>° relative to its respective pull wire lumen <NUM>. The above-described relationship between webs <NUM> and pull wire lumens <NUM> allows for symmetric in-plane bi-directional articulation.

Consistent with embodiments described herein webs <NUM> are formed by laser cutting the extruded polymer material of flexible tip <NUM>. However, given that flexible tip <NUM> is such a small thin-walled polymer part, a traditional laser cutting system is not capable of cutting such a part without melting the polymer. Accordingly, webs <NUM> are formed by using an ultrashort, pulse laser system.

By forming flexible tip <NUM> in the manner described above (e.g., polymer extruded profile with subsequent laser cut webs), tip <NUM> may be produced with drastically lower manufacturing costs than that available using other manufacturing techniques, which is particularly advantageous when producing single-use (i.e., disposable) devices. In addition, such manufacturing techniques allow for use of a larger range of polymer material families and grades in contrast to other manufacturing methods.

Image capturing sub-assembly <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, camera module <NUM>, and light source module <NUM>. Housing <NUM> may include a length of substantially cylindrical polymeric material that includes a plurality of apertures therein for receiving camera module <NUM>, light source module <NUM> and working channel <NUM>. In one implementation, an outside diameter of housing <NUM> may be sized to fit within an inside diameter of a distal coupling ring <NUM>. Furthermore, during assembly of endoscope <NUM>, housing <NUM> may be secured, e.g., via adhesive (e.g., Loctite®, etc.) to the distal coupling ring <NUM>. Consistent with embodiments described herein, the components of image capturing sub-assembly <NUM> may be potted with a curable adhesive, such as an ultraviolet light curable adhesive, after assembly.

In some embodiments, each of housing <NUM> and coupling rings <NUM> may be keyed, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, to prevent twisting of housing <NUM> relative to coupling ring <NUM> during assembly. Furthermore, in some implementations, camera module <NUM> and light source module <NUM> may be formed as part of a circuit board assembly, such as a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), flexible printed circuit board assembly (FPCBA), or rigid flexible printed circuit board assembly (RFPCBA) (not shown). In one implementations, the PCBA (or FPCBA/RFPCBA) may be configured to couple camera module <NUM> and light source module <NUM> to data interface assembly <NUM> via electrical wires <NUM> (<FIG>) that extend the length of endoscope <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, camera module <NUM> and light source module <NUM> may be coupled directly to wires <NUM> and may not be integrated with or coupled to a PCBA. In yet another implementation (not shown), camera module <NUM> may be integrated within or provided as an additional long flexible PCBA that extends directly from the camera module <NUM> to data interface assembly <NUM>, without the need for discrete electrical wires. Such an implementation may exhibit additional resistance to damage during use.

As shown in <FIG>, image capturing sub-assembly <NUM>, flexible tip <NUM>, and coupling rings <NUM> are encased by an outer sheath <NUM>. Consistent with embodiments described herein, outer sheath <NUM> is formed of a heat shrinkable, flexible material that, when cured, flexibly seals webs <NUM> and couplings <NUM> and bonds to shaft <NUM>.

Turning now to handle <NUM> and proximal end <NUM> of shaft <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates an exploded, isometric, and partially cross-sectional view of an interface between proximal end <NUM> of shaft <NUM> and right shell <NUM> of handle <NUM>. As shown, proximal end <NUM> of shaft <NUM> includes tube engagement portion <NUM> and handle interface portion <NUM>. Consistent with implementations described herein, tube engagement portion <NUM> includes an arrangement of a generally concentric first inner tube <NUM> and a second outer tube <NUM> joined at a portion (not shown) proximal to handle <NUM>. Outer tube <NUM> is sized to receive and engage a device tube, such as an ET tube, for subsequent deployment into the patient's body. Accordingly, tube engagement portion <NUM> may include different sizes or combinations of sizes (e.g., inside and outside diameters) of each tube <NUM>/<NUM> consistent with a device tube to be deployed.

Regardless of size or relative size, in each embodiment of tube engagement portion <NUM>, inner tube <NUM> includes a central aperture <NUM> formed therethrough sized to receive proximal end <NUM> of shaft <NUM>. During assembly of endoscope <NUM>, proximal end <NUM> may be secured, e.g., via adhesive, overmolded, interference fit, etc. to tube engagement portion <NUM>. Outer tube <NUM> may be sized to receive an outside surface of the device tube. As described herein, the outside diameter of inner tube <NUM> is sized smaller than the inner surface of a suitable device tube, so that only outer tube <NUM> engages the device tube.

In some implementations, inner surface of outer tube <NUM> may include engagement features, such as ribs, detents, bumps, etc. (not shown in <FIG>) to aid in releasably engaging an outer diameter of a device tube. Furthermore, in some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, forward edges of inner tube <NUM> and/or outer tube <NUM> may be chamfered so as to more easily receive a device tube slide along shaft <NUM>. Consistent with embodiments described herein, all or some of tube engagement portion <NUM> may be formed of a resilient or semi-rigid material, such as a polymer or rubber, suitable for frictionally engaging a device tube and retaining the tube in an engagement position during initial use of endoscope <NUM> (e.g., insertion into a patient cavity).

As shown in <FIG>, handle interface portion <NUM> is configured to positively engage corresponding portions of handle <NUM> to restrict or prevent rotation of shaft <NUM> relative to handle <NUM> upon assembly. For example, as shown, handle interface portion <NUM> may include neck portion <NUM> and flat-sided collar portion <NUM> for engaging a corresponding collar portion <NUM> and collar cavity <NUM> of right shell <NUM> and left shell <NUM> (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). Furthermore, handle interface portion <NUM> may further include a tubular shaft entry portion <NUM> that includes a central aperture therethrough (not directly shown in the Figures) that is aligned with central aperture <NUM> of inner tube <NUM>. The central aperture in tubular shaft entry portion <NUM> may be sized similarly to the opening through proximal end <NUM> of shaft <NUM>, so that components (e.g., pull wires <NUM>/<NUM>, electrical wires <NUM>, and working channel <NUM>) introduced through tubular shaft entry portion <NUM> may easily pass into shaft <NUM>, or vice-versa. During assembly, handle interface portion <NUM> may be seated within right shell <NUM> and clamped between right shell <NUM> and left shell <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, right shell <NUM> and left shell <NUM> of handle <NUM> each includes an outer surface <NUM> that include respective periphery portions <NUM>/<NUM>. As shown, outer surface <NUM> is generally ergonomically shaped to be easily gripped within a user's hand. In some implementations, outer surfaces <NUM> of respective shells <NUM>/<NUM> may form substantially mirror images of each other, although in other implementations, outer surfaces <NUM> may vary so as to form right handed or left handed versions. Respective periphery portions <NUM>/<NUM> of shells <NUM>/<NUM> are configured to align during assembly to form an inner cavity <NUM> between the right shell <NUM> and the left shell <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when right and left shells <NUM>/<NUM> of handle <NUM> are joined, external openings are provided for receiving shaft <NUM>, control lever <NUM>, suction valve assembly <NUM>, access portion assembly <NUM>, and data interface assembly <NUM>, as described in additional detail below, where appropriate. In some embodiments, shells <NUM>/<NUM> may be formed of a plastic or other rigid material via, for example, injection molding, 3D printing, vacuum molding, etc..

As described below, inner cavity <NUM> may receive portions of suction valve assembly <NUM>, access port assembly <NUM>, control wheel assembly <NUM>, working channel <NUM>, and pull wires <NUM>/<NUM>. Consistent with implementations described herein, shells <NUM> and <NUM> may be secured together via a plurality of clips spaced about periphery portions <NUM>/<NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In other embodiments, shells <NUM>/<NUM> may be secured in other ways, such as via adhesives, welding, straps, screws, etc..

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, access port assembly <NUM> is configured for insertion between right shell <NUM> and left shell <NUM> during assembly and operatively couples an external device, such as a medication drip, surgical instrument, etc. to working channel <NUM>. Consistent with embodiments described herein, working channel <NUM> may include an inner and outer layer of polymer material with a polymer or metal coil layer provided therebetween in a generally helical or braided geometry. Such a configuration prevents working channel <NUM> from kinking during articulation and further prevents working channel <NUM> from collapsing when vacuum is applied (as described below).

<FIG> are exploded and cross-sectional detailed views of access port assembly <NUM> consistent with embodiments described herein. As shown in <FIG>, access port assembly <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a tube fitting portion <NUM>, and seal portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Housing <NUM> is a generally tubular structure formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material and includes engagement features that correspond to engagement structures provided in right and left shells <NUM>/<NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, housing <NUM> includes a peripheral channel configured to engage generally u-shaped projections in right and left shells <NUM>/<NUM>.

Tube fitting portion <NUM> includes a substantially hollow structure formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material (e.g., a plastic). As shown, tube fitting portion <NUM> includes a first inlet <NUM>, a second inlet <NUM>, and an outlet <NUM>. First inlet <NUM> is aligned with and sized for receipt within housing <NUM> during assembly. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, first inlet <NUM> is configured to provide external access to working channel <NUM> via housing <NUM> and seals <NUM>/<NUM>. Second inlet <NUM> is configured to receive an internal suction connector <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) that is coupled to section assembly <NUM>, which is described in detail below in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>. Outlet <NUM> is oriented and sized to receive a proximal end of working channel <NUM>.

Seal portions <NUM>/<NUM> are formed of a resilient material and include respective apertures aligned with first inlet <NUM> and housing <NUM>. The size of the respective apertures is consistent with the potential uses for access port assembly, such as corresponding to particular sizes of medical tubing, instrument diameters, etc. Seal <NUM> is normally closed, and therefore allows for suction functionality as described below to occur entirely from the distal end of the working channel <NUM>. Seal <NUM> provides an airtight seal with accessories such as a luer lock connector (e.g., syringe) or similar when used in the access port assembly <NUM>, while seal <NUM> is opened by such accessories to gain access to working channel <NUM>. This functionality, for example, enables connecting a syringe into the access port assembly <NUM> so that fluids can be administered into the working channel <NUM> without leakage.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, suction valve assembly <NUM> is also configured for insertion between right shell <NUM> and left shell <NUM> during assembly and operatively couples an external source of suction to working channel <NUM> via suction connector <NUM> and tube fitting <NUM> described above. <FIG> is an exploded detailed view of suction valve assembly <NUM> consistent with embodiments described herein. <FIG> are cross-sectional detailed views of suction valve assembly <NUM> in closed and open states, respectively. As shown in <FIG>, suction valve assembly <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, bottom cover <NUM>, plunger <NUM>, O-ring seal <NUM>, spring <NUM>, washer seal <NUM>, and valve button <NUM>.

Housing <NUM> is a generally tubular structure formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material and includes engagement features that correspond to engagement structures provided in right and left shells <NUM>/<NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, housing <NUM> includes a peripheral channel in an intermediate portion thereof configured to engage a generally u-shaped projection in right and left shells <NUM>/<NUM>. During assembly, suction valve assembly <NUM> is placed between right and left shells <NUM>/<NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, housing <NUM> further includes an upper chamber <NUM>, a lower chamber <NUM>, an upper aperture <NUM>, a central aperture <NUM>, a lower aperture <NUM>, an outlet <NUM>, and an inlet <NUM>. Outlet <NUM> is fluidly coupled with upper chamber <NUM>, while inlet <NUM> is fluidly coupled with lower chamber <NUM>. Upper and lower chambers <NUM>/<NUM> are fluidly coupled by central aperture <NUM>, which is sized to allow plunger <NUM> to move therethrough, as described below. Outlet <NUM> is configured to project outwardly from housing <NUM> adjacent upper chamber <NUM> to receive a source of negative pressure (suction). As shown in <FIG>, an outer surface of outlet <NUM> may include a plurality of ribs or barbs <NUM> for engaging and sealing with a suction tube that is pushed thereon. Inlet <NUM> is configured project outwardly from housing <NUM> adjacent lower chamber <NUM> and sized to receive a proximal end of suction connector <NUM> therein, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Bottom cover <NUM> is configured to be received within and enclose lower chamber <NUM> and includes a central cavity <NUM> therein for receiving a lower portion of plunger <NUM> during actuation of valve <NUM>. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, bottom cover <NUM> further includes a groove or channel <NUM> for receiving O-ring seal <NUM>, which prevents suction from affecting other components in the interior of handle <NUM>.

Plunger <NUM> is a movable, elongated structure configured to extend through upper and lower chambers <NUM>/<NUM> and pass through central aperture <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, plunger includes a series of channels <NUM> formed in an outer periphery thereof which allow air to pass efficiently around plunger <NUM> when valve <NUM> is actuated. Plunger <NUM> further includes a shoulder portion <NUM> for engaging washer seal <NUM> on an upper surface thereto to prevent suction from reaching lower chamber <NUM> when valve is in the normally closed state (<FIG>). Spring <NUM> is positioned between a lower surface of shoulder portion <NUM> and bottom cover <NUM> and is configured to bias plunger <NUM> into the closed state.

Valve button <NUM> engages an upper end of plunger <NUM> and includes a lower portion that is received within upper aperture <NUM>. When in the closed state (<FIG>), a space or gap <NUM> formed between valve button <NUM> and housing <NUM> allows any suction from outlet <NUM> to be applied outside of endoscope <NUM> via upper chamber <NUM> and upper aperture <NUM>, while washer seal <NUM> prevents the suction from being applied to lower chamber <NUM> and inlet <NUM>. Conversely, when valve button <NUM> is depressed, plunger <NUM> moves downwardly with respect to housing <NUM>, thereby moving washer seal <NUM> away from central aperture <NUM>, and thereby allowing negative pressure to be applied to lower chamber <NUM> and inlet <NUM>. Release of valve button <NUM> causes plunger <NUM> to return to the closed position by virtue of spring <NUM>. Consistent with embodiments described herein, valve button <NUM> includes a lower portion and an upper portion <NUM> and an upper portion <NUM> that extends radially outwardly with respect to lower portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a bottom surface of upper portion <NUM> is configured to seal upper aperture <NUM> when valve assembly <NUM> is in the closed state.

To control the articulation of flexible tip <NUM>, pull wires <NUM> extend through shaft <NUM> proximal and intermediate portions <NUM>/<NUM> of shaft <NUM> and couple to control wheel assembly <NUM>. More particularly, in one implementation, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, proximal ends of pull wires <NUM> and <NUM> are secured to termination elements <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. As described more fully below, termination elements <NUM> and <NUM> may include generally cylindrical or disc-shaped elements configured to be received and retained within control wheel assembly <NUM>. Termination elements <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, a metal, etc. and may be secured to pull wires <NUM> and <NUM> in any suitable manner, such as via welding, an adhesive, soldering, brazing, crimping, etc. Furthermore, although not depicted in the Figures, distal ends of pull wires <NUM>/<NUM> may be secured within distal ends of pull wire lumens <NUM>. As described herein, by enabling accurate tensioning of pull wires <NUM>/<NUM> during assembly, positional accuracy of each pull wire termination element <NUM>/<NUM> on its respective pull wire <NUM>/<NUM> is irrelevant, since manufacturing tolerance variation can be accounted for independently during tensioning.

<FIG> are detailed partially exploded and cross-sectional views, respectively, illustrating a portion of right shell <NUM>. As shown, right shell <NUM> is provided with a coil stop receptacle <NUM> positioned generally along a center line of right shell <NUM> (e.g., aligned with the central aperture of tubular shaft entry portion <NUM>) and sized to securely receive a coil stop <NUM>. In some embodiments, coil stop receptacle <NUM> is formed integrally with right shell <NUM>, while in other embodiments, coil stop receptacle <NUM> is formed separately and is secured to right shell <NUM> during assembly or manufacture, such as via adhesive, welding, screws, etc..

Coil stop <NUM> is formed of a resilient or semi-rigid material and is sized to fit within coil stop receptacle <NUM> and be retained therein via a friction fit. As shown in <FIG>, coil stop <NUM> includes a pair of slots <NUM> formed in a top surface thereof for receiving pull wires <NUM>/<NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, consistent with embodiments described herein, each pull wire <NUM>/<NUM> includes a Bowden-style cable having an inner wire <NUM> an outer compression coil (which is an incompressible spring) <NUM>. Compression coil <NUM> extends between coil stop <NUM> and flexible tip <NUM>, while inner wire <NUM> extends between control wheel assembly <NUM> and flexible tip <NUM> distal end. A distal end of inner wire <NUM> extends through pull wire lumens <NUM> in flexible tip <NUM> and may be secured within the distal end of wire lumens <NUM>, as described above. For example, distal ends of control wires <NUM>/<NUM> secured to the distal ends of their respective lumens <NUM> using a combination of flaring and adhesive, or other means of fixation.

During operation, when pull wires <NUM>/<NUM> are actuated either forward or backward, corresponding pull wire tension increases to enable articulation and a resultant compressive force must be transferred back to handle <NUM>. This force transfer is accomplished by compression coil <NUM> taking the load and transferring back to the handle via coil stop <NUM>. Without compression coil <NUM>, the load would travel thru intermediate and proximal portions <NUM>/<NUM> of shaft <NUM> and may result in shaft <NUM> moving in an uncontrolled and or undesirable manner when tip <NUM> is articulated.

As shown in <FIG>, upon assembly, compression coils <NUM> are secured, e.g., via a stepped configuration, within coil stop slots <NUM>, effectively fixing compression coils <NUM> to handle <NUM> and allowing inner wires <NUM> to slide therethrough. In one implementation, slots <NUM> may be shaped to include a cylindrical bottom portion sized commensurate with a diameter of compression coils <NUM> and having a narrower upper portion. Such a configuration retains compression coils <NUM> within slots <NUM> even when handle <NUM> is inverted or otherwise manipulated. In addition, this configuration prevents compression coils <NUM> do not travel toward control wheel assembly <NUM> during use.

Turning now to control wheel assembly <NUM>, <FIG> and <FIG> are right and left side exploded isometric views, respectively, of control wheel assembly <NUM> and control lever <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, control wheels assembly <NUM> includes a first control wheel <NUM>, a second control wheel <NUM>, and a third control wheel <NUM> aligned concentrically to enable accurate neutral tension in pull wires <NUM>/<NUM> during assembly of endoscope <NUM>, as described in detail below.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in association with control wheel assembly <NUM>, right shell <NUM> includes a main control wheel boss <NUM>, a tensioning pin boss <NUM>, a pair of routing posts <NUM>, and a set of routing vanes <NUM>. It should be noted that features described herein as relating to right shell <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be implemented, in whole or in part, in left shell <NUM>. Similarly, the arrangement of control wheels <NUM>/<NUM> may be similarly reversed.

Main control wheel boss <NUM> is a tubular body that projects inwardly from right shell <NUM> and receives a corresponding central shaft <NUM> of first control wheel <NUM> therein, such that first control wheel <NUM>, when assembled, rotates within main control wheel boss <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, main control wheel boss <NUM> may be formed integrally with right shell <NUM>. Similar to main control wheel boss <NUM>, tensioning pin boss <NUM> is a cylindrical body that also projects inwardly from right shell <NUM> in a spaced relationship to main control wheel boss <NUM>. As described below, tensioning pin boss <NUM> is configured to receive, during assembly of endoscope <NUM>, a tensioning pin (not shown) that engages a serrated outer periphery of first control wheel <NUM> to prevent first control wheel <NUM> from freely rotating about main control wheel boss <NUM> during assembly and tensioning of pull wires <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

Routing posts <NUM> project inwardly from right shell <NUM> in a spaced relationship about a longitudinal axis of right shell <NUM> and include an arcuate configuration for guiding pull wires <NUM>/<NUM> and preventing unnecessary wear or binding. Routing vanes <NUM> likewise project inwardly from right shell <NUM> and, in one exemplary embodiment, include a set of three longitudinal vanes 232a, 232b, and 232c that together form two substantially v-shaped slots 234a and 234b. As best shown in <FIG>, during assembly, when pull wires <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned within right shell <NUM>, pull wire <NUM> is placed within v-shaped slot 234a and pull wire <NUM> is placed within v-shaped slot 234b. Pull wires <NUM> and <NUM> are then routed around the arcuate shape of routing posts <NUM> such that pull wire <NUM> is positioned to one side of main control wheel boss <NUM> (e.g., an upper side relative to the orientation of <FIG>) and pull wire <NUM> is positioned to the opposite side of main control wheel boss <NUM> (e.g., a lower side relative to the orientation of <FIG>). As described below, first control wheel <NUM> and third control wheel <NUM> are configured to receive respective pull wires <NUM>/<NUM> along outer peripheries thereof, respectively, as described in additional detail below.

As shown in <FIG>, left shell <NUM> includes a secondary control wheel boss <NUM>. Secondary control wheel boss <NUM> is a tubular body that projects inwardly from left shell <NUM> and receives a corresponding central shaft of third control wheel <NUM> thereon, such that third control wheel <NUM>, when assembled, rotates around secondary control wheel boss <NUM>. Additionally, as described below, secondary control wheel boss <NUM> further includes an inside aperture for receiving a central shaft of first control wheel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, secondary control wheel boss <NUM> may be formed integrally with left shell <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, first control wheel <NUM> comprises a generally cylindrical body <NUM> including first central shaft <NUM>, a central flange region <NUM>, and a second central shaft <NUM>. As briefly described above, first central shaft <NUM> is sized for receipt within main control wheel boss <NUM>. Central flange region <NUM> projects radially outwardly from first central shaft <NUM> and includes a planar outer surface <NUM> that slidingly engages main control wheel boss <NUM>. Central flange region <NUM> further includes an outer periphery that includes a plurality of teeth or serrations <NUM>. As briefly described above, serrations <NUM> are configured to engage tensioning pin boss <NUM> during assembly to prevent free rotation of first control wheel <NUM> relative to main control wheel boss <NUM>/right shell <NUM>. In addition to serrations <NUM>, the outer periphery of central flange region <NUM> also includes an annular groove <NUM> and a wire fixing aperture <NUM>. Annular groove <NUM> is configured to receive one of pull wires <NUM>/<NUM> (shown as control wire <NUM> in <FIG>) and wire fixing aperture <NUM> is configured to receive one of pull wire termination elements <NUM>/<NUM> (shown as termination element <NUM> in <FIG>).

During assembly, after first central shaft <NUM> is placed within main control wheel boss <NUM>, pull wire termination element <NUM> may be initially inserted into wire fixing aperture <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, wire fixing aperture <NUM> may include a wire entry slot to facilitate entry of termination element <NUM> and pull wire <NUM> into wire fixing aperture <NUM>. Once termination element <NUM> is seated within wire fixing aperture <NUM>, first control wheel <NUM> may be rotated (e.g., clockwise relative to right shell <NUM>) to route pull wire <NUM> into annular groove <NUM>. As described above, the free rotation of first control wheel <NUM> is restrained by engagement of serrations <NUM> with tensioning pin boss <NUM>. In some implementations, such rotation is performed by hand during assembly. However, in other implementations, an automated or computer-controlled device may be used to rotate control wheel and to introduce a proper and uniform tension to pull wire <NUM> by means of angular tip measurements, tension measurement, or torque measurement.

As shown in <FIG>, an inner surface <NUM> of central flange region <NUM> includes a generally cylindrical multi-purpose engagement ring <NUM> that projects inwardly therefrom. Each of the radial inward surface <NUM> and the radial outward surface <NUM> of engagement ring <NUM> of comprise toothed or notched configurations for engaging, respective portions of second control wheel <NUM> and third control wheel <NUM>. The size/pitch of the teeth / notched features on inward surface <NUM> and outward surface <NUM> dictate how accurately tensioning can be achieved. That is, more accurate precision may be achieved with finer gear teeth. However, this precision is balanced against the need to withstand appropriate load during articulation. As best shown in <FIG>, inner surface <NUM> of central flange region <NUM> may include indicia (e.g., arrows) <NUM> for indicating a direction that an assembler should rotate first control wheel <NUM> to achieve proper tensioning of pull wire <NUM>.

Second central shaft <NUM> of first control wheel <NUM> projects inwardly from central flange region <NUM> concentrically with first central shaft <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and described in additional detail below, second central shaft <NUM> is configured to receive a central aperture in third control wheel <NUM> to affect concentric alignment of third control wheel <NUM> with first control wheel <NUM> (and second control wheel <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, second control wheel <NUM> comprises a generally tubular body member <NUM> having a central aperture <NUM> provided therethrough. Consistent with embodiments described herein, central aperture <NUM> may be provided with a toothed or notched inner surface <NUM> configured to matingly engage radial outward surface <NUM> of multi-purpose engagement ring <NUM>. Upon assembly, rotational movement of second control wheel <NUM> (e.g., caused by movement of control lever <NUM>) causes first control wheel to rotate, thus causing control wire <NUM> to move longitudinally within handle <NUM> and shaft <NUM>, and affecting a corresponding deflection of tip <NUM>, as described above.

Second control wheel <NUM> further includes a control lever engagement portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, control lever engagement portion <NUM> projects radially from second control wheel <NUM>. Upon assembly, control lever engagement potion <NUM> is configured to extend at least partially outside of handle <NUM>, via control lever opening <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). In some embodiments, control lever engagement portion <NUM> includes a resilient clip or hook portion <NUM> for engaging a corresponding clip portion in control lever <NUM> (described below). In addition, consistent with embodiments described herein, second control wheel <NUM> may include an arcuate member <NUM> configured to project from a portion of body member <NUM> that functions to prevent or minimize the entry of foreign materials into inner cavity <NUM> via control lever opening <NUM>. The inner side of arcuate member <NUM> also mates with/covers both annular grooves <NUM>/<NUM> when fully assembled together, which prevents pull wires <NUM>/<NUM> from falling out of grooves <NUM>/<NUM> when respective pull wires <NUM>/<NUM> are not in tension. As shown, arcuate member <NUM> includes a generally tubular configuration that is positioned radially between the control lever engagement portion <NUM> and the body member <NUM> and that has a width that is wider than control lever opening <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, control lever <NUM> may include a generally T-shaped body <NUM> configured for easy forward/backward manipulation by a user's thumb during operation of endoscope <NUM>. In some embodiments, T-shaped body <NUM> includes a curved lateral profile that generally mirrors an outer configuration of handle <NUM>. Such a feature minimizes the likelihood that control lever <NUM> will get caught up on various environmental elements, such as clothing, equipment, wires/cables, etc. An outer surface of control lever <NUM>, may include a friction surface, such as ribbed, grooved, or knurled surface. Such a configuration reduces the likelihood that a user's thumb will slip off of control lever <NUM> during use.

Although a T-shaped body is shown in the figures, in other embodiments, additional or alternative configurations may be used, such as a generally cylindrical or bulbous knob. As described above, control lever <NUM> includes a clip portion <NUM> configured to enable removable coupling of control lever <NUM> with control lever engagement portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, third control wheel <NUM> comprises a generally cylindrical body <NUM> including an engagement ring portion <NUM>, a central flange region <NUM>, and a central shaft <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, cylindrical body <NUM> includes a central aperture <NUM> provided therethrough. As briefly described above, central aperture <NUM> in body <NUM> is configured to concentrically receive an end of second central shaft <NUM> of first control wheel <NUM> during assembly. Engagement ring portion <NUM> of third control wheel <NUM> projects axially inwardly from the body <NUM> and includes a radially outward surface <NUM> that includes a toothed or notched configuration for engaging radially inward surface <NUM> of engagement ring <NUM> of first control wheel <NUM>. This mating notched relationship causes third control wheel <NUM> to rotate in response to movement of control lever <NUM>.

Central flange region <NUM> of third control wheel <NUM> projects radially outwardly from body <NUM> and includes a planar, axially inward surface for engaging a corresponding portion of second control wheel <NUM>. Central flange region <NUM> further includes an outer periphery that includes an annular groove <NUM> and a wire fixing aperture <NUM>. Similar to annular groove <NUM> in first control wheel <NUM> described above, annular groove <NUM> is configured to receive one of pull wires <NUM>/<NUM> (shown as control wire <NUM> in <FIG>) and wire fixing aperture <NUM> is configured to receive one of pull wire termination elements <NUM>/<NUM> (shown as termination element <NUM> in <FIG>).

During assembly, pull wire termination element <NUM> may be initially inserted into wire fixing aperture <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, wire fixing aperture <NUM> may include a wire entry slot to facilitate entry of terminal element <NUM> and pull wire <NUM> into wire fixing aperture <NUM>. Once terminal element <NUM> is seated within wire fixing aperture <NUM>, central aperture <NUM> may be placed loosely onto second central shaft <NUM> of first control wheel <NUM>, in a spaced relationship relative to engagement ring <NUM> of first control wheel <NUM>. Once termination element <NUM> is seated within wire fixing aperture <NUM>, and third control wheel <NUM> is placed loosely onto first control wheel <NUM>, third control wheel <NUM> may be rotated (e.g., counter-clockwise relative to right shell <NUM>) to route pull wire <NUM> into annular groove <NUM>, the rotation occurs about second central shaft <NUM> of first control wheel <NUM> and central aperture <NUM> of third control wheel <NUM>. After appropriate tension has been applied to pull wire <NUM> to render articulating tip <NUM> initially at a neutral position (i.e., no longitudinal deflection), third control wheel <NUM> may be fully seated on first control wheel <NUM>, such that outward surface <NUM> of engagement ring <NUM> positively mates with radially inward surface <NUM> of engagement ring <NUM> of first control wheel <NUM>, thereby locking the first, second and third control wheels <NUM>-<NUM> together. In this configuration, second central shaft <NUM> of first control wheel <NUM> projects through central aperture <NUM> in third control wheel body <NUM> and extends concentrically within second central shaft <NUM> of third control wheel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, central shaft <NUM> of third control wheel <NUM> includes a generally tubular configuration having an inside surface <NUM> therein. As described above, during assembly, second central shaft <NUM> projects into central shaft <NUM>. The relationship between inside surface <NUM> of central shaft <NUM> and the outside surface of second central shaft <NUM> of first control wheel <NUM> is configured to receive secondary control wheel boss <NUM> therebetween, upon assembly of left shell <NUM> to right shell <NUM>.

In some alternative implementations, less than three control wheels may be used. For example, the features and functions provided by second control wheel <NUM> (e.g., an attachment mechanism for control lever <NUM>, etc.) may be integrated into one or more of control wheels <NUM>/<NUM>. In this manner, independent tensioning of control wheels <NUM>/<NUM> may be maintained.

By providing for independent and secure tensioning of each pull wire <NUM>/<NUM> independently, during assembly, fine, smooth articulation control may be realized, without the inherent slack or "play" provided by known control mechanisms. Furthermore, as described above, assembly of endoscope may be performed without the need for special equipment or tools.

Although manual tensioning and articulation is generally described above and illustrated in the Figures, in other implementations, control wheel assembly <NUM> may include or support electrical tensioning and/or control. For example, a small electric motor (e.g., a servo motor) could be implemented to engage toothed outward surface <NUM> of engagement ring <NUM>. Alternative, the electric motor may be configured to engage first central shaft <NUM>. In such an implementation, the motor may be mounted to right shell <NUM> adjacent to or in lieu of main control wheel boss <NUM>. Control of such a motor could be performed using one or more switches or actuators mounted on device handle <NUM>.

As briefly described above, in some implementations, endoscope <NUM> may be a single use or disposable device. As such, it may be beneficial to simplify the components of endoscope <NUM> to reduce the cost of the device. In particular, consistent with embodiments described herein, endoscope system <NUM> may include alternative processing capabilities that decrease the cost and complexity of the disposable portion, e.g., endoscope <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a simplified exemplary configuration of one or more components <NUM> of endoscope system <NUM>, such as endoscope <NUM>, data cable <NUM>, and video monitor <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, component <NUM> may include bus <NUM>, a processing unit <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, an output device <NUM>, and a communication interface <NUM>. Bus <NUM> may include a path that permits communication among the components <NUM> of endoscope system <NUM>. In one exemplary implementation, bus <NUM> may include an I<NUM>C bus which supports a master/slave relationship between components <NUM>. As described below, in exemplary implementations, the master and slave roles may be negotiated between the components, or alternatively, between multi-use devices, such as data cable <NUM> and video monitor <NUM>.

Processing unit <NUM> may include one or more processors, microprocessors, or processing logic that may interpret and execute instructions. Memory <NUM> may include a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device that may store information and instructions for execution by processing unit <NUM>. Memory <NUM> may also include a read only memory (ROM) device (e.g., an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM)) or another type of static storage device that may store static information and instructions for use by processing unit <NUM>. In other embodiments, memory <NUM> may further include a solid state drive (SSD).

Input device <NUM> may include a mechanism that permits a user to input information to endoscope system <NUM>, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a pen, a microphone, a touch screen, voice recognition and/or biometric mechanisms, etc. Output device <NUM> may include a mechanism that outputs information to the user, including a display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)), a data interface assembly (e.g., port), a printer, a speaker, etc. In some implementations, a touch screen display may act as both an input device and an output device. In the endoscope system <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, only video monitor <NUM> may be provided with input device <NUM> and output device <NUM>, however in other implementations, one or more other components of endoscope system <NUM> may include such devices. As depicted in <FIG>, endoscope <NUM> and data cable <NUM> may be implemented as headless devices that are not directly provided with input device <NUM> or output device <NUM> and may receive commands from, for example, video monitor <NUM>.

Communication interface <NUM> may include one or more transceivers that endoscope system <NUM> (e.g., video monitor <NUM>) uses to communicate with other devices via wired, wireless or optical mechanisms. For example, communication interface <NUM> may include a modem or an Ethernet interface to a local area network (LAN) or other mechanisms for communicating with elements in a communication network (not shown in <FIG>). In other embodiments, communication interface <NUM> may include one or more radio frequency (RF) transmitters, receivers and/or transceivers and one or more antennas for transmitting and receiving RF data via a communication network, such as a wireless LAN or Wi-Fi network.

The exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG> is provided for simplicity. It should be understood that endoscope system <NUM> may include more or fewer components than illustrated in <FIG>. In an exemplary implementation, endoscope system <NUM> performs operations in response to one or more processing units <NUM> executing sequences of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as memory <NUM>. A computer-readable medium may be defined as a physical or logical memory device. The software instructions may be read into memory <NUM> from another computer-readable medium (e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD), SSD, etc.), or from another device via communication interface <NUM>. Alternatively, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement processes consistent with the implementations described herein.

<FIG> is an exemplary functional block diagram of components implemented in a single-use endoscope <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment described herein. In the embodiment of <FIG>, all or some of the components may be implemented by processing unit <NUM> executing software instructions stored in memory <NUM>.

As shown, endoscope <NUM> may include identification and authentication logic <NUM>, version checking logic <NUM>, settings storage <NUM>, data logger <NUM>, light source logic <NUM>, image capture logic <NUM>, and image output logic <NUM>.

Identification and authentication logic <NUM> is configured to, upon power up of endoscope <NUM>, exchange identification and authentication information with data cable <NUM> and/or video monitor <NUM>. For example, endoscope <NUM> may communicate identification information to data cable <NUM> via bus <NUM> (e.g., the I<NUM>C bus). In one embodiment, the identification information may comprise information relating to the type of endoscope <NUM>, such as the size, application, model, particular video format, etc. In other implementations, the identification information may include information specific to the particular endoscope <NUM>, such as serial number or other uniquely identifying information.

Consistent with embodiments described herein, identification and authentication logic <NUM> may provide the identifying information to data cable <NUM> and video monitor <NUM> for use in determining whether endoscope <NUM> is authorized for use with the data cable <NUM> and video monitor <NUM>. For example, as described below, upon receipt of the identification information from endoscope <NUM>, the data cable <NUM> and/or video monitor <NUM> may determine whether the endoscope <NUM> is authorized for use. In this manner, unauthorized, third party endoscopes may be monitored, logged, or potentially disallowed by the endoscope system described herein.

Furthermore, in other embodiments, identification and authentication logic <NUM> may be configured to exchange usage information stored in data logger <NUM> with video monitor <NUM> via data cable <NUM>. For example, data logger <NUM> may be configured to record details regarding usage (e.g., power up) of the endoscope <NUM>, such as date, time, and duration of endoscope <NUM>. Identification and authentication logic <NUM> may, during subsequent power ups, transmit this information to video monitor <NUM> to for use in determining whether the endoscope <NUM> may be properly used. For example, single-use endoscope <NUM> may only be authorized for power-up a predetermined (e.g., <<NUM>) number of times, to ensure that the scope is not used outside of its intended purpose. For reusable endoscopes, the usage information stored in data logger <NUM> may be used to provide historical information, reconditioning recommendations, etc. In other embodiments, the information may be used to monitor a time between uses, to determine whether appropriate sterilization procedures have been followed.

Version checking logic <NUM> is configured to, in coordination with similar logic in data cable <NUM> and video monitor <NUM>, determine which component has a most recently updated set of camera settings. For example, because components of medical devices may not be upgradable in the field, providing an integrated upgrade path between the separate components (e.g., separate components released at different times) provides an efficient manner for rolling out updated camera settings using only a single factory-updated component, without requiring a dedicated field update process for all components within the system.

Consistent with embodiments described herein, upon power up of system <NUM>, version checking logic <NUM> determines which of endoscope <NUM>, data cable, <NUM>, or video monitor <NUM> maintains the most recently updated set of camera settings in settings storage <NUM>. If endoscope <NUM> is not the device with the most recently updated set of camera settings, the device having such settings may transmit the camera settings to endoscope <NUM> or otherwise make the settings available to image capture logic <NUM>.

As described briefly above, in one embodiment, endoscope <NUM>, data cable, <NUM>, and video monitor <NUM> may be coupled via an I<NUM>C bus, which requires that only one device be in the "master" role at any one time. Generally, since the main control of system <NUM> is initiated by video monitor <NUM>, video monitor <NUM> is typically in the "master" role. However, consistent with embodiments described herein, upon system power up, each of video monitor <NUM>, data cable <NUM>, and/or endoscope <NUM> may alternatively assume the "master" role for the purposes of sharing information regarding its set of camera settings.

Light source logic <NUM> is configured to cause light source module <NUM> to become illuminated in accordance with settings stored in settings storage <NUM> or received from video monitor <NUM>.

Image capture logic <NUM> is configured to capture images via camera module <NUM> based on the most recently updated set of camera settings identified and stored in settings storage <NUM> and/or received from video monitor <NUM>. The captured images are then forwarded to image output logic <NUM> for relay to video monitor <NUM>. More specifically, image capture logic <NUM> is configured to receive image capture control commands from video monitor <NUM> via data cable <NUM>. In response to an image capture command, image capture logic <NUM> captures images based on image capture settings stored in settings storage <NUM>. Depending on whether endoscope <NUM> is single-use or reusable, image output logic <NUM> may be integrated within endoscope <NUM> or may include multiple components included within endoscope <NUM> and data cable <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exemplary functional block diagram of components implemented in a data cable <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment described herein. In the embodiment of <FIG>, all or some of the components may be implemented by processing unit <NUM> executing software instructions stored in memory.

As shown, data cable <NUM> may include identification and authentication logic <NUM>, version checking logic <NUM>, and settings storage <NUM> configured similarly to identification and authentication logic <NUM>, version checking logic <NUM>, and settings storage <NUM> described above with respect to endoscope <NUM>. For example, identification and authentication logic <NUM> may include logic for determining an identity of a connected endoscope <NUM> and determining whether the endoscope <NUM> is suitable for use with data cable <NUM>. In other embodiments, identification and authentication logic <NUM> may be further configured to identify and appropriate video path between endoscope <NUM> and video monitor <NUM>.

Version checking logic <NUM> includes logic for determining which of data cable <NUM>, video monitor <NUM>, and/or endoscope <NUM> has the most up-to-date set of camera settings corresponding to the identified endoscope <NUM>. As described above in relation to version checking logic <NUM>, version checking logic <NUM> is similarly configured to alternatively transmit an indication of the version of the set of camera settings stored in settings storage <NUM> to each of video monitor <NUM> and endoscope <NUM> and similarly receive corresponding information from each of video monitor <NUM> and endoscope <NUM>. When it is determined that the version of the set of camera settings stored in settings storage <NUM> is the most up-to-date, version checking logic <NUM> may provide the settings to image capture logic <NUM>, which may then apply to camera module <NUM> and/or light source module <NUM> in endoscope <NUM>.

Data cable <NUM> may further include image processing logic <NUM> that performs some or all of the image processing on images captured by camera module <NUM>/<NUM>. In one embodiment, image processing logic <NUM> may include a serializer and/or related logic for preparing images captured by camera module <NUM>/<NUM> for transmission to, compatibility with, and display by video monitor <NUM>. In addition, image processing logic <NUM> may include logic for providing scaling and padding or modification of other image attributes of captured images prior to transmission to video monitor <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exemplary functional block diagram of components implemented in a video monitor <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment described herein. In the embodiment of <FIG>, all or some of the components may be implemented by processing unit <NUM> executing software instructions stored in memory <NUM>.

As shown, video monitor <NUM> may include identification and authentication logic <NUM>, version checking logic <NUM>, settings storage <NUM>, control logic <NUM>, and display logic <NUM>. Identification and authentication logic <NUM>, version checking logic <NUM>, and settings storage <NUM> may be configured similarly to identification and authentication logic <NUM>/<NUM>, version checking logic <NUM>/<NUM>, and settings storage <NUM>/<NUM> described above with respect to endoscope <NUM> and data cable <NUM>. For example, identification and authentication logic <NUM> may include logic for determining an identity of a connected endoscope <NUM> and determining whether the data cable <NUM> and endoscope <NUM> is suitable for use with video monitor <NUM>.

Version checking logic <NUM> includes logic for determining which of data cable <NUM>, video monitor <NUM>, and/or endoscope <NUM> has the most up-to-date set of camera settings corresponding to the identified endoscope <NUM>. As described above in relation to version checking logic <NUM>, version checking logic <NUM> is similarly configured to alternatively transmit an indication of the version of the set of camera settings stored in settings storage <NUM> to each of data cable <NUM> and/or endoscope <NUM> and similarly receiving corresponding information from each of video monitor <NUM> and endoscope <NUM> before resuming the "master" role on bus <NUM> (e.g., the I<NUM>C bus). When it is determined that the version of the set of camera settings stored in settings storage <NUM> is the most up-to-date, version checking logic <NUM> may provide the settings to image capture logic <NUM> in endoscope <NUM>.

After version checking logic <NUM> completes its check, control logic <NUM> receives user commands to commence image capture, such as via control pad <NUM>. Display logic <NUM> receives the image data or video signal from endoscope <NUM> via data cable <NUM>. As described above, in some implementations, portions of the processing of the image data may be performed by image processing logic <NUM> in data cable <NUM>.

Consistent with embodiments described herein, the most up-to-date camera settings stored in one of settings storage <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, may include camera settings optimized for capturing the most useful images in an intra-airway environment. Such an environment typically exhibits the following characteristics: <NUM>) extremely confined field of view, typically having no more than a <NUM>" x <NUM>" near circular cavity within which to operate; <NUM>) no primary ambient environmental lighting; all lighting relies on a fixed single point background light emitted by light source module <NUM> provided immediately adjacent to camera module <NUM>; <NUM>) extreme red spectrum color bias; <NUM>) frequent extreme swings in lighting brightness caused by unpredictable intrusion of objects into camera field of view when combined with the small usage environment; and <NUM>) high contrast with both near-field and far-field points of interest. Unfortunately, conventional camera settings are not optimized for such an environment and, consequently, images or video quality may suffer, and/or pertinent visual details may be lost.

As described above, camera module <NUM> comprises a CCD or CMOS device. Consistent with embodiments described herein, camera module <NUM> may include configurable programming registers that allow the image capturing characteristics of camera module <NUM> to be optimized. Settings storage <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> in one or more of endoscope <NUM>, data cable <NUM>, and video monitor <NUM> may be programmed to include one or more sets of customized camera module or image processing logic register values to optimize image and/or video quality in intra-airway environments. For example, different sets of customized camera module or image processing logic register values may be stored for different identified endoscope, such as different length tubes shafts, different tip sizes, etc. etc..

Modern camera modules generally include automatic gain control (AGC) and/or automatic exposure control (AEC), which are designed to improve image quality by automatically boosting the gain and increasing the exposure in low light images so that objects can be seen more clearly and reduce the gain and decrease the exposure in bright images to avoid the subject of the image from being washed out or blurry. Unfortunately, in intra-airway environments or other internal environments, occluding elements, such as the patient's tongue, or other organs or tissue, etc. may briefly block the camera view causing the AGC/AEC to reduce the gain and decrease the exposure time, thereby losing far field details, which may be necessary for accurate insertion of the endoscope or placement of a corresponding ETT.

Consistent with embodiments described herein, camera module registers or settings relating to the control of AGC and AEC may be optimized. In particular, a setting relating to an upper limit of an AGC/AEC stable operating region may be modified. The upper limit of the AGC/AEC stable operating region refers to how high or bright an incoming image or video signal must become before the camera's gain algorithm mutes or attenuates the signal, by a preset amount, before sending the signal to video monitor <NUM>. Accordingly, consistent with described embodiments, the upper limit of the AGC/AEC stable operating region may be raised (from its default) so that the "trigger point" of upper limit gain attenuation does not occur until the incoming signal significantly increases. The consequence is that any intruding near-field object, such as a patient's tongue or a medical intubation tube, would need to either block a larger portion of the field of view or remain in the field of view much longer.

Consistent with embodiments described herein, a setting relating to the lower limit of the AGC/AEC stable operating region may also be modified. This setting controls how low or dim an incoming signal must achieve before the camera's gain algorithm boosts the signal sent to host. Because a primary objective for intra-airway image capture is to ensure that a patient's far-field vocal chords are visible most of the time during an intubation procedure, the value for the lower limit of the AGC/AEC stable operating region may be increased (from its default) to consequently maintain the "window" in which attenuation is active to a minimum.

In some embodiments, one or more settings relate to or identify the maximum gain boost that can be applied when the incoming signal drops below the AGC/AEC lower limit. As described above, since the AGC/AEC lower limit is raised in accordance with the described embodiments, the effect is that gain boost would be triggered at gain amounts higher than traditionally applied. This may cause images to overexpose even at moderate lighting levels, since the lower limit was now near or above normal lighting levels. To counter this, the automatic gain ceiling maximum AGC value setting may be lowered (from its default) to limit the maximum boost that camera module <NUM> can apply. This helps manage the over exposure effect and bring it to an acceptable level.

<FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process <NUM> for capturing images via video endoscope system <NUM> described herein. In one embodiment, process <NUM> may begin when endoscope <NUM> is plugged into data cable <NUM>, data cable <NUM> is plugged into video monitor <NUM>, and video monitor <NUM> is powered up (block <NUM>).

At block <NUM>, data cable <NUM> and/or video monitor <NUM> identify endoscope <NUM> and determines whether it is authentic. For example, as described above, identification and authentication logic <NUM> requests and receives blade identification information from endoscope <NUM> and determines whether endoscope <NUM> is authentic and, potentially, that it has not exceeded its authorized number of uses. If not (block <NUM> - NO), the process may end and a notification or alert is output via video monitor <NUM> (block <NUM>). In other embodiments, unauthorized devices for which a video path can be determined may be permitted to transmit video to video monitor, and, accordingly, in such embodiments, processing for unidentified or unauthorized devices may proceed to block <NUM>, described below.

However, if endoscope <NUM> is identified and determined to be authentic (block <NUM> - YES), two or more of the endoscope <NUM>, data cable <NUM>, and video monitor <NUM> negotiate to determine which device has the most up-to-date camera settings relative to the identified endoscope <NUM> (block <NUM>). For example, as described above, each component may alternatively assume a "master" role on bus <NUM> to receive version information from the other components, which are then compared to its current version.

At block <NUM>, it is determined whether a device other than endoscope <NUM> has the most up-to-date settings. If not (block <NUM> - NO), the process proceeds to block <NUM>. However, when one of the other devices includes the most up-to-date settings, (block <NUM> - YES), the settings are forwarded to camera module <NUM> in endoscope <NUM> for use during image capture, which overrides any currently stored settings (block <NUM>).

At block <NUM>, image capture logic <NUM> may capture images based on the settings received or verified in step <NUM>/<NUM> above. Captured images are forwarded to video monitor <NUM> via data cable <NUM> (block <NUM>). For example, image output logic <NUM> in endoscope <NUM> may output the image data captured by camera module <NUM> to data cable <NUM>. As described above, in some implementations, some or all image processing on the image data may be performed by image processing logic <NUM> in data cable <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An endoscope device (<NUM>) comprising:
a handle portion (<NUM>);
a shaft (<NUM>) projecting from the handle portion,
wherein the shaft includes a proximal portion and a distal portion relative to the handle portion;
a flexible tip (<NUM>) coupled to the distal portion of the shaft;
a pair of pull wires (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from the handle portion through the shaft portion and coupled to the flexible tip,
wherein the handle portion includes a control wheel assembly coupled to the pair of pull wires,
wherein the control wheel assembly comprises at least two control wheels, and
wherein each of the at least two control wheels are capable of independent rotation to provide accurate tensioning of the pair of pull wires during assembly of the endoscope device,
characterized in that
each pull wire in the pair of pull wires comprises a Bowden-style cable that includes an inner wire and an outer compression coil; and a coil stop (<NUM>) mounted in the handle portion for engaging the outer compression coil in each of the pull wires and transferring a compression load to the handle during articulation of the pair of pull wires,wherein the coil stop comprises a pair of slots (<NUM>) for receiving the pair of pull wires respectively therein.