ENHANCED CONTROL OF FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPES THROUGH HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE

摘要

An electromechanical drive system with drop-in capability allows manipulation of the majority of existing endoscopes. The invention does not require retrofitting of existing endoscopes and maintains the current clinical workflow. The drive system can be controlled through a human/machine interface, which could consist of a variety of different input devices, including a joystick, keyboard, or game controller.

主权项

1. A motorized system for improving manipulation of an endoscope, comprising:
a mechanical device for holding and driving the endoscope; a motion control system for controlling the mechanical device; and a human/machine interface for allowing a user to control the mechanical device through the motion control system; wherein the mechanical device comprises: a base; a linear platform for causing linear movement of the endoscope, the linear platform being mounted on the base to be linearly movable relative to the base; a rotation mechanism for causing rotation of the endoscope, the rotation mechanism being mounted on the linear platform to be movable with the linear platform; and a tip-flexion mechanism for causing bending of the tip of the endoscope, the tip-flexion mechanism being mounted on the linear platform to be movable with the linear platform.