KR101601410B1 - Potable endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable endoscope system according to an embodiment includes an endoscope lens module inserted into a body to capture an image of a body, an endoscope adapter module connected to the endoscope lens module and processing an image in the body photographed through the endoscope lens module, And an external data processing module interlocked with the adapter module to store and manage the image information, wherein the endoscope lens module is exchangeable with respect to the endoscope adapter module.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM [0002]

The present invention relates to a portable endoscope system, and more particularly, to a portable endoscope system that can be operated by a battery.

The endoscopic system is used to observe and image internal organs and lesions of the human body at the medical field. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Endoscopes are typically optical instruments and have rigid or flexible tubing and can provide medical imaging using visual inspection and image capture.

The rigid endoscope includes a series of lenses disposed at a distance from each other, covered by a tube, and is provided with an optical fiber illumination to illuminate the area under examination. A soft endoscope is a series of lenses in a rigid endoscope that is replaced by an optical fiber. An external light source illuminates the organ or lesion under examination. The light source typically uses a fiber optic system extending through the tube to illuminate the light.

The initial endoscope included only one eyepiece, through which inspection and / or other medical activities were performed.

The improved endoscopic system then included a video adapter that included a camera sensor in the eyepiece. The camera sensor helped connect the eyepiece to the video system and monitor it.

Such an endoscopic system is not only restricted in the movement of the light source and the camera control unit and the accompanying computer and observation screen to a bulky and heavy place, but also has a wired connection between each module, There was a difficulty.

Accordingly, a portable endoscope apparatus has been studied.

For example, the prior art KR 2011-0086855 filed on August 30, 2011 discloses an oral cavity endoscope using a smartphone.

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable endoscope system capable of confirming in real time an endoscope image photographed by an endoscope lens module through a display unit attached to the endoscope adapter module.

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable endoscope system capable of transmitting and outputting an image to an external display device using a wireless communication function.

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable endoscope system capable of storing and managing image information in cooperation with a medical image storage transmission system (PACS).

An object of an embodiment is to provide a portable endoscope system in which an endoscope lens module can be separately changed according to medical conditions.

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable endoscope system which is driven by a battery and has no wired connection with an external device, thereby helping doctors to secure movement lines.

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable endoscope system in which doctors can easily perform a medical examination without having to move the patient when the patient is examined with inconvenient behavior.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable endoscope system including an endoscope lens module inserted into a body and capturing an image of a body, a control unit connected to the endoscope lens module to control shooting through the endoscope lens module, And an external data processing module interlocked with the endoscope adapter module and storing and managing the image information, wherein the endoscope lens module is replaceable with respect to the endoscope adapter module.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the endoscope adapter module includes a light source unit for transmitting light to the body for acquiring image information of the endoscope lens module, a camera unit for digitizing the image acquired from the endoscope module, And the image information obtained from the endoscope lens module through the display unit can be output in real time.

According to one aspect, the endoscope adapter module may further include a storage unit capable of temporarily storing an image captured by a user or a recorded image.

According to one aspect, the endoscope adapter module may further include a wireless communication unit for wireless communication with the external data processing module.

According to one aspect, the endoscope adapter module may further include a processor unit for controlling the endoscope adapter module.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the processor unit includes a light source control unit for controlling the light source unit, a camera control unit for controlling the camera unit, a display control unit for controlling the display unit, a network control unit for controlling the network of the endoscope adapter module, An image control unit for imaging information transmitted from the camera unit, capturing or recording an image, and a storage control unit for controlling storage of the captured image or the recorded image.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the endoscope adapter module further includes a user interface unit, and the user interface unit may be provided with a button for controlling the endoscope adapter module by the user.

According to one aspect, the external data processing module may include a medical image storage transmission system (PACS) or an external display device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the endoscope adapter module and the external data processing module can transmit image information by wireless communication.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the endoscope adapter module is provided with a battery and further includes a holder for charging the battery.

The portable endoscope system according to one embodiment can confirm the endoscopic image photographed by the endoscopic lens module through the display unit attached to the endoscope adapter module in real time.

The portable endoscope system according to one embodiment can transmit and output an image to an external display device using a wireless communication function.

The portable endoscope system according to one embodiment can store and manage image information in cooperation with a medical image storage transmission system (PACS).

The portable endoscope system according to one embodiment may be modified by separating the endoscope lens module according to medical conditions.

The portable endoscope system according to an embodiment is driven by a battery and has no wired connection with an external device, thereby helping physicians to secure movement lines.

The portable endoscope system according to one embodiment can easily perform a medical examination without physically moving the patient when the physician examines patients whose mobility is uncomfortable.

1 shows a schematic diagram of a portable endoscope system according to an embodiment.
2 shows a portable endoscope system according to one embodiment.
FIG. 3 shows a state in which a clamp is removed in a portable endoscope system according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to or limited by the embodiments. Like reference symbols in the drawings denote like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a portable endoscope system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a portable endoscope system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates a portable endoscope system according to an embodiment, FIG.

Referring to FIG. 1, a portable endoscope system 10 according to an embodiment may include an endoscope lens module 100, an endoscope adapter module 200, and an external data processing module 300.

The endoscope lens module 100 can be inserted into the body and can take images of the body.

The endoscope lens module 100 may include an insertion element 110 inserted into the body and capturing an image of the body and an eyepiece element 120 positioned between the endoscope adapter module 200 and the endoscope lens module 100 have.

The insertion element 110 is provided with an insertion lens 112 and the eyepiece element 120 may be provided with an eyepiece lens (not shown).

The endoscope lens module 100 may be a conventional endoscope lens module or may be replaced with an appropriate endoscope lens module 100 depending on circumstances.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the endoscope adapter module 200 may be provided with a removable clamp C.

The clamp C may be formed to enclose a part of the endoscope lens module 100. For example, the clamp C may cover the upper portion of the endoscope lens module 100.

At this time, the endoscope adapter module 200 may be provided with a seating groove G so that the endoscope lens module 100 can be seated.

The clamp C can be completely separated from the seating groove G. [

Or may be hinged at one side of the seating groove G so that the seating groove G can be exposed to the outside while the clamp C is opened to the seating groove G. [

Therefore, when it is necessary to replace the endoscope lens module 100, the endoscope lens module 100 can be easily replaced by removing or opening the clamp C from the endoscope adapter module 200. [

After replacing the endoscope lens module 100, the clamp C can be attached to the endoscope adapter module 200 again, and the endoscope lens module 100 can be fixed.

Also, the endoscope lens module 100 may be provided with a light source connection part 130 connected to the light source unit 210 of the endoscope adapter module 200.

The light source connecting portion 130 may be positioned, for example, perpendicularly to the interposing lens 110.

The endoscope adapter module 200 may be connected to the endoscope lens module 100.

The endoscope adapter module 200 can control the image taking through the endoscope lens module 100 and process an image photographed through the endoscope lens module 100.

Specifically, the endoscope adapter module 200 includes a light source unit 210, a camera unit 220, a display unit 230, a wireless communication unit 240, a storage unit 250, a processor unit 260, 270).

The light source unit 210 may transmit light to the body for acquiring an image of the endoscope lens module 100.

The light generated by the light source unit 210 can illuminate organs and affected parts in the body by an optical fiber (not shown) included in the endoscope lens module.

The light source unit 210 may include a high brightness light emitting diode (LED) or a high brightness organic light emitting diode (OLED).

The camera unit 220 may digitize an image formed on an eyepiece lens (not shown) of the endoscope lens module 100 and transmit the image to the processor unit 260.

At this time, the camera unit 220 may include a camera sensor such as a charge coupled device sensor or a complementary metal-oxide semi-conductor sensor.

The CCD sensor refers to a device that sequentially transfers signal charges using a well having a potential formed on a semiconductor surface by a transfer electrode, and the CMOS sensor refers to a solid-state image sensor using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor.

The image information obtained from the endoscope lens module 100 through the camera unit 220 can be digitized.

In addition, the endoscope adapter module 200 may further include a display unit 230 for outputting a digitized image from the camera unit 220.

The display unit 230 may include, for example, a video display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, or a plasma display.

The portable endoscope system 10 according to one embodiment can provide an image captured through the endoscope lens module 100 through the display unit 230 to the user in real time.

In addition, the endoscope adapter module 200 may further include a storage unit 240.

The storage unit 240 may perform a function of temporarily storing images captured by a user or recorded images.

The storage unit 240 may include memory and semiconductor storage devices.

The default setting may be that the storage unit 240 is not used.

However, if the storage unit 240 is set to be used, the endoscope adapter module 200 can be recognized as being connected to the external data processing module 300.

In addition, the storage unit 240 is not detached from the endoscope adapter module 200 for medical security, and can perform automatic destruction after a specified time.

When the storage unit 240 is connected to the external data processing module 300, the storage unit 240 can transfer image information.

At this time, the external data processing module 300 needs to be authenticated and can input and execute the password specified in the endoscope adapter module 200.

The authentication and data transmission password of the external data processing module 300 can be set in the setting menu of the storage unit 240 as described above.

The setting of the storage unit 240 may be performed in the external data processing module 300 when it is connected to an external data processing module 300 such as a medical image storage transmission system (PACS) 310.

At this time, the setting information may include the use of the storage unit 240, the identification ID of the external data processing module 300, a password to be used for data transmission, an automatic destruction time, and the like.

The endoscope adapter module 200 may further include a wireless communication unit 250.

The wireless communication unit 250 may interoperate with the medical image storage and transmission system 310 to store and manage the medical image.

Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 250 may interwork with the external display device 320 to view and share information imaged at the camera unit 220 with the user, the observer, and the patient.

For example, the wireless communication unit 250 may include Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ultra Wide Band, LTE, etc. The wireless communication unit 250 is not limited to this, Anything that can be done is possible.

The endoscope adapter module 200 may further include a processor unit 260.

The processor unit 260 may control the endoscope adapter module 200.

Specifically, the processor unit 260 may include a light source control unit, a camera control unit, a display control unit, a network control unit, an image control unit, and a storage control unit. And the processor unit 260 may include a main processor that handles all functions.

The light source control unit controls the light source unit 210. The camera control unit controls the camera unit 220. The display control unit controls the display unit 230. The network control unit controls the display unit 230, The image control unit may image the information transferred from the camera unit 220, capture or record the image, and the storage control unit may control the storage of the captured image or the recorded image.

In addition, the endoscope adapter module 200 may further include a user interface unit 270.

The user interface unit 270 may perform a function for controlling the portable endoscope system 10 using the endoscope adapter module 200.

The user interface unit 270 may include power of the endoscope adapter module 200, screen capture, start / stop of recording, connection of the wireless communication unit 250, and the like.

In addition, under the control of the camera unit 220 included in the endoscope adapter module 200, various additional functions can be performed.

2, the endoscope adapter module 200 may be provided with a plurality of buttons B in order to perform these functions. The user can easily operate the user interface unit 270 by pressing the button B. [

Specifically, the power button can perform a function of turning the endoscope adapter module 200 on and off.

Alternatively, the wireless communication connection button may connect the endoscope adapter module 200 to the external data processing module 300, such as the medical image storage and transmission system 310 and the external display device 320.

The display unit 230 and the external data processing module 300 can be maintained in the same state while the endoscope adapter module 200 is connected to the external data processing module 300. [

For example, the image output from the display unit 230 and the image output from the external display device 320 of the external data processing module 300 may be maintained at the same level.

Also, the screen capture button and the recording start / stop button may operate differently depending on whether the external data processing module 300 is connected or not.

For example, the screen capture button may be paused in the endoscope adapter module 200, and the external data processing module 300 may store the captured image together with the pauses. At this time, the storage of the captured image may be performed differently depending on the function of the external data processing module 300.

If the screen capture button is re-entered, the screen freeze function is canceled, and additional image storage may not be performed.

In addition, the recording start / stop button is connected to the external data processing module 300 and can be activated when providing the recorded image to the external data processing module 300.

When the user presses the recording start / stop button when the endoscope adapter module 200 is connected to the external data processing module 300, the endoscope adapter module 200 displays "recording" and the external data processing module 300 may store image information transmitted from the endoscope adapter module 200.

At this time, the storage of the image may be performed according to the function of the external data processing module 300.

If the user presses the recording start / stop button again while the image recording is being performed in the endoscope adapter module 200, the indication "during recording" is removed from the endoscope adapter module 200, The image recording is terminated and the recorded image can be stored.

The user interface unit 270 enables the user to efficiently control the portable endoscope system 10 according to an embodiment.

In addition, a battery (not shown) may be provided in the endoscope adapter module 200.

The battery may supply power for operation of the endoscope adapter module 200. Thereby, it is not necessary to supply power to the endoscope adapter module 200 in order to operate the endoscope adapter module 200.

In addition, a cradle S may be provided for charging the battery.

The cradle S may have a groove formed on its upper surface so that the endoscope adapter module 200 can be mounted. When the endoscope adapter module 200 is mounted in the groove, the battery in the endoscope adapter module 200 can be charged.

Therefore, the charging of the battery in the endoscope adapter module 200 can be facilitated.

The external data processing module 300 may be connected to the endoscope adapter module 200 described above.

At this time, the endoscope adapter module 200 can be connected to the external data processing module 300 wirelessly.

That is, the image information obtained by the endoscope adapter module 200 may be transmitted to the external data processing module 300 by wireless communication.

Therefore, since it is not necessary to connect the endoscope adapter module 200 and the external data processing module 300 by wire, it is easy for the doctors to secure the copper wire when the doctor performs the examination.

The external data processing module 300 may include the medical image storage transmission system 310 or the external display device 320 as described above.

The medical image storage and transmission system 310 refers to a system that integrally processes the functions of storing, reading, and searching medical image information.

For example, the medical image storage and transmission system 310 converts all the radiographic results obtained by X-ray, CT, MRI, PET, SPECT, etc. into digital images and stores them in a mass storage device at the same time It can be read through the monitor.

The external display device 320 may output image information simultaneously or separately with the display unit 230 of the endoscope adapter module 200.

For example, when the endoscope adapter module 200 and the external display device 320 are located in different spaces, they can be diagnosed remotely through the image information output from the external display device 320 .

The portable endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention allows an image captured by an endoscope lens module to be viewed in real time through a display unit attached to an endoscope adapter module, and transmits an image to an external display device using a wireless communication function, And it is possible to store and manage image information in cooperation with a medical image storage transmission system (PACS). In addition, the endoscope lens module can be separated and changed according to medical conditions, and is driven by a battery, so that there is no wired connection with external equipment, which can help doctors to secure movement lines. In addition, when physicians are consulting patients with mobility impairments, they can easily perform their care without patient movement.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, And various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the spirit of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described, and all of the equivalents or equivalents of the claims, as well as the following claims, belong to the scope of the present invention .

10: Portable Endoscope System
100: Endoscope lens module
110: Insert element
112: Insert lens
120: eyepiece element
130: Light source connection part
200: Endoscope adapter module
210: Light source unit
220: camera unit
230: Display unit
240: Wireless communication unit
250: Storage unit
260: Processor unit
270: User Interface Unit
300: External data processing module
310: medical image storage transmission system
320: external display device
C: Clamp
G: seat home
S: Cradle
B: Button

Claims (10)

An endoscopic lens module inserted into the body and capturing an image of the body;
An endoscope adapter module connected to the endoscope lens module for controlling shooting through the endoscope lens module and processing the shot image; And
An external data processing module interlocked with the endoscope adapter module to store and manage image information;
/ RTI >
The endoscope adapter module includes:
A light source unit for transmitting light to the body for acquiring image information of the endoscope lens module;
A camera unit for digitizing the image acquired by the endoscope lens module; And
A display unit for outputting a digitized image from the camera unit;
/ RTI >
Wherein the light source unit is connected to a light source connecting portion vertically extending from one side to the lower side of the endoscope lens module to transmit light perpendicularly to the endoscope lens module,
And a clamp which is connected to the seating groove and surrounds a part of the endoscope lens module, is provided between the light source unit and the display unit,
Wherein the endoscope lens module is replaceable with respect to the endoscope adapter module by opening or removing the clamp.
The method according to claim 1,
And the image information obtained from the endoscope lens module is output in real time through the display unit.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the endoscope adapter module further comprises a storage unit capable of temporarily storing an image captured by a user or a recorded image.
The method of claim 3,
Wherein the endoscope adapter module further comprises a wireless communication unit for wireless communication with the external data processing module.
5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the endoscope adapter module further comprises a processor unit for controlling the endoscope adapter module.
6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the processor unit comprises:
A light source control unit for controlling the light source unit;
A camera controller for controlling the camera unit;
A display control unit for controlling the display unit;
A network controller for controlling a network of the endoscope adapter module;
An image control unit for imaging information transmitted from the camera unit and capturing or recording an image; And
A storage control unit for controlling storage of a captured image or a recorded image;
And a portable endoscope system.
The method of claim 3,
Wherein the endoscope adapter module further comprises a user interface unit, wherein the user interface unit is provided with a button for controlling the endoscope adapter module by a user.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the external data processing module comprises a medical image storage transmission system (PACS) or an external display device.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the endoscope adapter module and the external data processing module transmit image information by wireless communication.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the endoscope adapter module further comprises a battery and a holder for charging the battery.

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